Statement by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Emergency Humanitarian Aid with regard to Armed Clashes in Georgia

August 15, 2008

Upon the request from the Government of Georgia and the appeals made by international organizations including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Government of Japan has decided to implement emergency humanitarian aid of up to one million dollars (about 113 million yen) for the refugees resulting from the armed clashes in Georgia.
Japan will implement this assistance without delay in cooperation with the above mentioned humanitarian aid organizations.
Japan hopes that by providing assistance promptly, the refugees at sites will be given relief as soon as possible, and will continue to pay close attention to the situation so that the ceasefire to be carried out without fail.

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