ICRC News 49 / 11.12.96
TAJIKISTAN ICRC VISITS 110 PRISONERS HELD BY OPPOSITION FORCES
On 7 December, four ICRC delegates based in Garm visited 110 government soldiers captured by opposition forces during the fighting which took place in the area on the first of the month. The delegates spoke to each prisoner in private, in accordance with the ICRC's standard procedure, to assess their conditions of detention. They provided medical supplies for the prisoners and will deliver more assistance during a forthcoming visit.
In the past 10 days, the delegates have also distributed food, blankets and medicines to victims of the recent upsurge in violence. Since the road linking the area to Dushanbe has been cut off by the fighting, this was only possible thanks to the stocks that the ICRC keeps on the spot.
Further information: Suzanne Berger, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++ 4122 730 2307
Reminder PRESS CONFERENCE ON 18 DECEMBER 1996 ICRC EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR 1997
On 18 December, the ICRC will make an emergency appeal for its 1997 field operations. At a press conference scheduled for 2.30 p.m. at ICRC headquarters, Director of Operations Jean de Courten will outline the challenges facing the organization as this year draws to a close and describe the ICRC's financial situation. The 1997 appeal will contain complete information regarding the finances and objectives of each of the 50 field delegations, and will be addressed to the ICRC's donors (mainly governments and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies).
Further information: Tony Burgener, ICRC, Geneva tel: ++ 41 22 730 23 17
New on the ICRC Public Server - http://www.icrc.org : - Update 96/13 on ICRC activities in Zaire, dated 9.12.96 - Update 96/3 on ICRC activities in Sierra Leone, dated 5.12.96
During the week-end of 14 - 15 December 1996, for all information please call the press officer on duty, Suzanne Berger, on (mobile) 41 79 202 42 00