WFP to send aid to refugees

AMBON, Maluku: The World Food Program (WFP) will channel food donations to refugees in Maluku who are not covered by the central government's program, an official has said.

Chairman of WFP-Maluku, Jerry Bailey, told reporters here on Friday that the work of the United Nations in handling the food program in the province since 2002 had been made possible through the involvement of 14 working partners.

"In implementing the program, to reach the right targets on time, the WFP has fostered cooperation with other United Nations institutions, the local administration and some non-governmental organizations," he said.

He said the WFP has contributed 425 metric tons of rice to over 12,000 people traumatized by the communal conflict which lasted three years since it first flared up in January 1999. Some of the refugees received donations under the "food-for-work" program in the provincial capital of Ambon and Leihitu subdistrict in Central Maluku.

"WFP assistance is also allocated to widows and those aged over 55. The WFP will also channel other supplies needed by the refugees," he added. -- Antara