World Food Programme Emergency Report 2004
Issued Weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No 2 - Date 9 January


This report includes:

A) Middle East and Central Asia: (1) Iran, (2) Afghanistan,
   (3) Palestinian Territories
B) East  and  Central  Africa:  (1) Eritrea, (2) Ethiopia, (3) Rwanda,
   (4) Sudan, (5) Tanzania, (6) Uganda
C) West Africa: (1) Liberia, (2) Cote d'Ivoire
D) Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Lesotho, (3) Malawi,
   (4) Mozambique, (5) Zambia, (6) Zimbabwe
E) Asia: 1) DPRK
F) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Guatemala (3) Haiti
G) Eastern Europe: (1) North Caucasus, (2) Albania


>From David Morton, Director of the Transport, Preparedness and Response
Division (OTP); available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page
(www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Carlo.Scaramella@wfp.org, Chief of the
Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (OEP). For information on
resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP
Rome, telephone +39 06 6513 2009. Media queries should be directed to
Brenda.Barton@wfp.org, telephone +39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is
Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.


A)  Middle East and Central Asia: 1) Iran 2) Afghanistan, (3) Palestinian
Territories

1)  Iran

(a)  EMOP 10332.0: In coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society
(IRCS), the Country Office has prepared a medium term response emergency
operation of USD 3 million and total tonnage of 6,512 MT of food to assist
the most affected during a period of 3 months (January-March 2004). Under
this EMOP, launched at the Joint UN Flash Appeal on January 8 in Bam, a
complete monthly ration of 2 376 Kcal/person/day of wheat flour, rice,
pulses, vegetable oil, sugar, salt and HEB will be distributed. Initially,
wheat flour, rice, pulses, sugar and vegetable oil will be borrowed from
in-country existing stocks. The distribution of HEB started on 1 January
2004 and is continuing. A ration of 100g of HEB/person/day, providing 450
Kcal, is being distributed by IRCS.

(b)  The EMOP was based on the conclusions of two Inter-Agency Needs
Assessment Missions that took place on 27 Dec 2003 and 3-5 January 2004.

(c)  To ease storage capacity constraints, WFP sent 4 mobile storage tents
from its emergency stocks warehouse in Brindisi. The storage tents have
been handed over to IRCS.

(d)  An UNHAS (UN Humanitarian Air Service), passenger aircraft requested
by the RC to provide transport services for UN staff, NGOs relief workers
and donor representatives from Tehran to Kerman and Bam has been provided.
WFP Iran has joined the other UN Agencies at the UN Camp Site in Bam.
Additional WFP staff is being recruited to be assigned to Bam.

(e)  Up to date, confirmed contributions for the EMOP 10332.0, the
Government of India has authorized the diversion of 600 Mt of fortified
biscuits meant for Afghanistan. Some 109 Mt have been made immediately
available and are now in Bam. Moreover, the Dutch Post & Courrier Company
TPG facilitated transportation for the 4 mobile storage tents of a
capacity of 300-400 Mt from Brindisi to Kerman.

(f)  Under PRRO IRN 10213 "Food Assistance & Support to education of
Afghan and Iraqi refugees in the Islamic republic of Iran", WFP provides
assistance to some 61 000 beneficiaries.

(g)  Since the beginning of the repatriation operation on 9 April 2002
until 31 December 2003, a total of 645 569 Afghan refugees have
repatriated from Dogharoun (northeast) and Milak (southeast) borders, of
which 401 746 repatriated with the assistance of UNHCR, and 243 823
returned spontaneously. From 11 December to 31 December 03, 1838 Afghans
returned under UNHCR assistance, and around 6313 returned spontaneously.
All the Afghan repatriations are mainly from outside the camps.

(h)  The first organized UNHCR-assisted repatriation of 69 Iraqi refugees
took place on 19 November 2003 from Ashrafi Camp, and a second group of
210 refugees returned on December 8 from the same camp. A third
UNHCR-assisted Iraqi repatriation exercise took place on 15 December: 206
Iraqis from Motahari camp, 33 from Ansar camp and 6 from Ashrafi camp
returned to Iraq. A part from these assisted repatriations, a considerable
number of Iraqi refugees (around 16000) had returned spontaneously from
Iraqi Arab camps during the months of October and November.

(i)  There is an on-going spontaneous repatriation of Iraqi refugees to
Iraq, as a result of which PRRO projected requirements are steadily
decreasing.  Presently, needs are covered through mid 2004, resourcing
priority being rice and sugar.

(j)  Iran continues to be in Security Phase II throughout the country
except for Sistan-Baluchistan province, which is in Security Phase III. In
this region there is a strong presence of the organized crime, especially
drug trafficking and smuggling.


2)  Afghanistan

(a)  In the north, due to the factional tension that escalated in
Kohistanat district in Saripul province, UN missions to the area remained
suspended. In Badakhshan in the northeast, a drug factory was destroyed by
the Coalition and Afghan National Army troops some 15 km from Fayz Abad
city causing temporary suspension of road missions. In the east, UN
missions to Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces remained
suspended.

(b)  UN missions to south eastern and southern provinces remained impeded
due to insecurity with missions on the Kabul?Gardez road and in the
vicinity of Kandahar city being cleared on a case-by-case basis. On 6
January night, a hand grenade was thrown over the perimeter wall of the
Coordination of Afghan Relief (CAR) compound, a NGO located 200 meters
from the WFP Office in Kandahar city, causing minor damage. During the
same night, another grenade exploded near the UNHCR compound. In addition,
11 people were killed and 14 injured in two bomb explosions in Kandahar
city. There were no UN staff among the casualties.

(c)  In the west, UN missions on Shindand?Dilaram highway and to Bakwa and
Bala Buluk districts in Farah province remained suspended. In Kabul
province, movement in Dih Sabz district Butkhak, south of Pol-E-Charkhi
was restricted.

(d)  During the reporting period, 460,693 beneficiaries received 3,979 MT
of food. In addition, WFP distributed 39 MT of mixed food commodities as
emergency assistance to 215 Afghan families (1,290 beneficiaries), in
Farah province affected by the earthquake in Bam, Iran, who returned back
to Afghanistan to bury their lost family members.

(e)  WFP received contributions to its PRRO from Denmark, USD 877,193 for
procurement of food commodities; Japan WFP Friendship Association: a
private contribution valued at USD 18,348; and from the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia: an in-kind contribution valued at USD 1,052,599.

(f)  Some 546 MT of food commodities were dispatched from external
logistics hubs to extended delivery points inside Afghanistan, including:
240 MT of wheat flour from Peshawar to Jalal Abad; 306 MT of wheat from
Kurgan Tyube in Tajikistan to Kunduz and 934 MT of wheat-soya blend
arrived in Karachi Port.


(3) Palestinian Territories

(a)  In the last two weeks of December there was a suicide bombing in Tel
Aviv, aerial attacks in Gaza and serious incursions in the West Bank and
southern Gaza. The situation was particularly severe in Nablus, where many
sections of the city remained under curfew for three weeks to this date.  
Closure of the city entrances has also been strict, formidably hampering
movement. It is reported that the Israeli incursion into the city resulted
in the killing of 19 Palestinians, the total destruction of five
Palestinian homes, and the partial destruction of 60 homes rendering 20
families homeless.  Another 20 families are displaced because their
buildings are under the danger of total collapse. This has urged the WFP
to prop up its operations in the city, as many affected families are in
dire need for emergency assistance. Also, the situation has put
limitations on WFP activities and have a stressful impact on the working
conditions of staff.

(b)  Under EMOP 10190.1 a total quantity of some 5049 MT of mixed
commodities consisting of wheat flour, sugar oil and lentils were
distributed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to some 287,927 beneficiaries
in the PT during the month of December.

(c)  A quantity of some 7803.65 MT of wheat flour, 73.6 MT of vegetable
oil, 500 MT of lentils and 838.5 MT of sugar arrived in the PT through the
port of Ashdod and Haifa during the month of December. The custom strike
over the past three months in Israel has finally officially ended. Despite
the strikes, the WFP has not faced major delays of shipments and thus the
operations have been able to run smoothly.

(d)  The receipt of 8940 MT of wheat flour from the US Food-for-Peace
Program will facilitate the smooth and timely progression of the current
EMOP. Previous worries of facing a shortfall between March and April are
allayed, as this contribution will be sufficient to cover the needs of the
beneficiaries until June 2004.

(e)  12.  4.45 million USD was donated by the US Food-for-Peace Program,
which amounts to 8940 MT in-kind.

(f)  In the West Bank, the Catholic Relief Services have picked up on
Food-for-Work and Food-for-Training projects throughout the month of
December in Bethlehem, Jenin and Hebron governorates.

(g)  A Letter of Extension (LoE)  was signed with the Palestinian
Agriculture Relief Committees (PARC)  to start the second phase of the
operation in January 2004.

(h)  The ICRC has officially terminated its operations in the West Bank;  
the Urban Voucher Program (UVP) and Rural Relief Program (RRP). WFP has
finalized the negotiations with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA) to
start the hand-over in the urban areas. The MSA will be looking for new
warehouses in Jericho and Ramallah since current ones have failed to meet
WFP criteria.  The negotiations between WFP and the MSA on supervising the
distribution of food rations to Hardship Social Cases in rural areas are
still in process.

(i)  WFP is negotiating with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on a small
FFW/FFT pilot project to take place in Ramallah, Tubas or Salfit. The area
will comprise of 10 to 18 villages involving 10,000 to 15,000 individual
beneficiaries.

(k)  Several coordination meetings with the Ministry of Agriculture
directors took place in the northern governorates of the West Bank to
prepare for the implementation of the olive oil project

(l)  In the Gaza Strip, Ard El-Insan has completed its first round of
distribution to malnourished children and their families (5000) through
their five warehouses in the Gaza Strip.

(m)  The Directorate of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture completed
its first round of distribution to 1400 fishermen. Moreover, beneficiaries
of Bedouin in the Gaza Strip were selected and are ready to receive their
monthly allocation before mid January 2004.



B)  East and Central Africa: (1) Eritrea, (2) Ethiopia, (3) Rwanda, (4)
Sudan, (5) Tanzania, (6) Uganda

1)  Eritrea

(a)  Figures show that Bahri rains received between October and December
2003 was far below average in the Red Sea Coastal areas of Eritrea (mainly
the Northern and Southern Red Sea region). The late rains are already
having a serious effect on the growth of fodder and seasonal crops.
Continued lack of rain in the coming two months will lead to severe
hardship for the regions' mainly pastoralist and agro-pastoralist
population, who in particular depend on this rainfall for the well being
of their livestock.

(b)  On 24th of December 2003 approximately 2,500 Eritrean refugees
returned from the Sudan as part of the voluntary repatriation process. The
returnees received an initial two-month food ration from WFP, and will
continue to receive regular food assistance until they complete their
first successful harvest. This was the last convoy for 2003; the
repatriation exercise is expected to resume in February 2003.


2)  Ethiopia

(a)  In southern Somali Region, following the delay of the long awaited
October-November "deyr" rains by 1-2 months and the subsequent prolonged
dry season, the situation became difficult for livestock in several zones.
This has seriously affected the food security situation of significant
numbers of the population in such zones as Warder where pasture and water
sources became seriously scarce, and resulted in the increase of livestock
deaths and abnormal migration of animals. The Regional Government prepared
contingency plans and released alerts. Several agencies undertook
assessments.

(b)  Fortunately, the unusual but substantial rains that were received
between 4 to 10 December 2003 depressed the anticipated severity of the
drought situation. There is convergent evidence from various sources that
the rains improved significantly both the water and pasture supply
(especially browsing), particularly in those areas where the drought was
most acute, including Warder and Korahe zones. Most of the Birkeds -
cement-lined underground water reservoirs - were recharged and the water
yield in wells and boreholes were improved. The late rains also mean that
the usually very difficult dry season (Jilaal) period will be shorter than
usual if the "gu" rains come on time in March/April.

(c)  About the same quantities of rains were received in the neighbouring
regions of Somalia and Kenya and this has halted large numbers of
livestock from flooding into the region particularly from different parts
of north-east Somalia. However large numbers of in-migrant livestock
remain and have not returned to their normal areas, due to their weakened
condition. Their continued presence in the region, particularly in Warder
Zone, will accelerate the deterioration of the just improved pasture and
water resources, and in turn this will affect the already fragile and
precarious food security situation.

(d)  The unusual rains were too erratic and short-lived for crop
production activities to take place. Pocket areas and woredas remained
dry, forcing livestock to migrate to other zones and woredas. For
instance, livestock migration from Fik and Degehabur zones to the
neighbouring East Hararghe zone (in Oromiya Region), and Gode and Jijiga
zones in Somali Region have been widely reported.

(e)  The National Multi-Agency Needs Assessment Teams (in the field
between 27 November and 28 December 2003), confirmed the improvement in
the overall situation but recommended its close monitoring. They also
recommended the provision or continuation of relief food assistance for 3
to 7 months for 1.1 million persons mainly for the vulnerable and poor
segments of the rural population who had their food and income sources
affected by the prolonged dry season, poor livestock/crop production and
other aggravating factors. They also concluded that significant numbers of
the villages in the areas affected by chronic water shortage would need
emergency water provision in the last 2-3 months of the dry season.


3)  Rwanda

(a)  The distribution of beans, under an 80 million Rw Franc (USD
130,000), Government assistance package, is currently taking place in
three sectors in drought-affected Gashora district. A total of 7,000
families in the affected district of Bugesera region will receive a
one-month ration of 60kg of Maize and 18kg of pulses. The month-long
assistance, led by Community Development Centers, complements WFP's
on-going food assistance distributed under FFW, school feeding and
supplementary feeding activities. Meanwhile, WFP continues to work with
the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and FEWSnet on the final report for the
crop harvest assessment mission that took place between 16 to 27 December
2003 in various parts of the country, including Bugesera region, Umutara
and Kibungo provinces. Preliminary findings indicate that the affected
regions are likely to continue facing serious food shortage until the
harvest of June 2004 as the harvest of January 2004 is this area is
expected to be poor. Further action will be taken in light of the findings
and recommendations of the report which is expected to be ready by
mid-January.


4)  Sudan

(a)  The overall security situation in the Darfur states remains tense as
the government has officially stated that it will fight rebels/bandits
(SLA & JEM) in West Darfur. Meantime, the clashes between government
forces and SLA elements continue in the Kulbus area of West Darfur. UNFSCO
have cleared staff to return to Geneina (with no movement outside town
permitted). WFP is currently on standby as the situation has not changed
significantly and the relocated staff remain in Nyala town. Rumors of an
imminent attack on El Fasher have increased. Ed-Daien, South Darfur, has
also been involved during the past week as the government has initiated
mobilization/recruitment to NDF (Janjaweed militia).

(b)  The ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of Sudan and
SPLM/A are slowly moving in a positive direction.


5)  Tanzania

(a)  Rainfall performance in most parts of the country has been mediocre.
In its November Monthly Weather Bulletin, the Tanzania Meteorological
Agency (TMA) reported the persistence of dry conditions in most parts of
the country, which has the effect of increasing moisture stress on crops
and pastures; delays in planting; and decreased water levels in reservoirs
such as wells, dams and rivers.

(b)  The TMA reported that the unseasonably dry spells experienced in
November prevented farmers from planting in nearly all bimodal rainfall
areas. However, in parts of Kagera and Kilimanjaro regions where rainfall
started normally and crops planted early, other field operations
continued. TMA added that cumulative rainfall for September-November was
far below normal in the Northern Highlands (Arusha, Manyara and
Kilimanjaro regions) as well as Northern Coast (Coast, Dar es Salaam and
Tanga regions).

(c)  WFP was requested by Government of Tanzania (GoT), to coordinate
donor contributions. Donors have contributed some 27,000 mt (60%) of the
44,949 mt of maize requested for the emergency drought operation. WFP had
already begun distributions in December 2003. To date, some 12,000 mt have
been delivered to priority areas identified by the GoT and WFP jointly.


6)  Uganda

(a)  From 5th to 9th January 2004, the WFP Chief of Staff, Mr. Michael
Stayton, is on a mission in Uganda that hosts the WFP Regional Bureau for
Eastern and Central Africa (ODK).

(b)  The Government of Uganda has requested immediate evacuation and
resettlement of over 5,000 internally displaced persons living on four
floating islands in Lake Kyoga in Kaberamaido district, in eastern Uganda.

(c)  On 5th January 2004 WFP resumed food distribution to over 1,397,000
IDPS, 154,000 refugees and 300,000 school children.

(d)  In preparation for the voluntary repatriation of up to 25,000 Rwandan
refugees, the Government of Uganda, Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and WFP
will hold a tripartite consultation meeting in Kampala on 8th January
2004.



C)  West Africa: West Africa Region: (1) Liberia (2) Côte d'Ivoire

1)  Liberia

(a)  Food distribution (totalling 607 MT of assorted commodities), to some
36, 940 IDPs in camps began on January 5. The operation included IDPs in
Mount Barclay, Newland, Ricks Institute, VOA, Blamasee, Jah Tondo and
Unification Town. Distribution continues in these camps (with the
exception of VOA which was completed on 6 January and Newland to be
completed on 7 January) until Saturday, 10 January.

(b)  The cantonment site in Schieffelin was disbanded on 1 January. Some
562 ex-combatants were given dry food rations for twenty-one days prior to
their departure for home. Over the period 31 December and 1 January, a
total of 5.78 MT of food was provided.

(c)  For the month of January 2004, WFP Liberia has planned to target an
initial 416,199 beneficiaries of various programme activities with about
5,863 MT of assorted food items.

(d)  UNMIL intensified the deployment of peace keepers in Buchanan, Grand
Bassa County, Gbarnga, Bong County, Tappita, Nimba County and Tubmanburg,
Bomi County.  This followed the successful deployment of troops in Klay
end last week. WFP is looking at possibilities of re-opening its
sub-offices in some of the strategic areas where UNMIL is deploying
troops; Phebe/Gbarnga, Tubmanburg and Zwedru.


2)  Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the period of 31 December - 6 January, 92 MT of various food
commodities were distributed to about 7,697 people.

(b)  During the reporting period, WFP completed distributions to some
4,405 returnees in six villages of Bin Houye: Doupleu, Zeituo, Guapleu,
Glioleu, Glanreu and Glepleu.  The local committee of Bin Houye has
reported that the rice planted did not germinate well.  Therefore, the
population might require additional support until the nest harvest.



D)  Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Lesotho, (3) Malawi, (4)
Mozambique, (5) Zambia, (6) Zimbabwe

1)  Regional

(a)  WFP's Regional Emergency Operation in southern Africa continues to
face pipeline shortfalls at a heightened time of food insecurity
throughout the region.  During the crucial three-month 'hunger period'
before the April ? May harvest, granaries and household food stocks tend
to be exhausted and people enduring food shortages are most reliant on WFP
assistance.  As of 09 January, projections reveal commodity shortfalls
until May 2004.  Donations are urgently required in order to prevent
continuous disruptions in food distributions and reduced rations affecting
over 6.5 million people.

(b)  Dry conditions continue in the southern part of the southern Africa
sub-region.  Central Mozambique (Manica, Tete and Sofala Provinces),
southern Malawi and eastern Zimbabwe, has received approximately one-third
of normal rainfall and in many locations the agricultural season is up to
six weeks late.  Further south, below normal rains this season, following
large moisture deficits last season are causing a severe drought in parts
of southern Mozambique, Swaziland, Free State Province in South Africa and
Lesotho.  This drought is likely to reduce crop yields, pasture and water
supplies.  Rainfall in the highly productive Maize Triangle in South
Africa is 50 to 80 percent of normal, raising worries about the main
season crop. Prospects for the season as well as post-harvest supplies for
regional export, will become clearer once the quality of the
December/January rains are known.

(c)  Poor seasonal conditions have caused ongoing increases in the price
of maize on the South African market. During the month of December, maize
prices increased from the equivalent of USD145 to USD176 per ton, an
increase of 21 percent, despite a small depreciation of the Rand against
the Dollar during the month.  Unfavourable market conditions, brought
about by anticipation of a reduced harvest due to the ongoing drought,
come at a time when WFP needs to procure more than an estimated 100,000
tons of maize for beneficiaries across the region.  Increased maize prices
are also negatively affecting the purchasing power of food insecure
households in surrounding countries.


2)  Lesotho

(a)  In November, WFP distributed 2,589 tons of food to 265,362
beneficiaries.

(b)  The FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission carried out in
May 2003 estimated that 270,000 people were in need of 33,000 tons of food
assistance.  Subsequent assessments, resulting from the ongoing drought,
have revealed much higher food needs for approximately 322,000 people
facing hunger for as much as the next 18 months.


3)  Malawi

(a)  In November, WFP and implementing partners distributed 4,945 tons of
food to 440,573 people.

(b)  As of 31 December, southern Malawi has received less than 50 percent
of normal rainfall.  The worst hit areas include Shire Valley and parts of
Blantyre and Machinga Districts.  Dry conditions have led to wilting and
death of maize crops and further delays in planting in selected parts of
the south.


4)  Mozambique

(a)  In November, WFP distributed 7,235 tons of food to 435,164
beneficiaries in partnership with implementing partners.


5)  Zambia

(a)  In November, WFP and implementing partners distributed 4,096 tons of
food to 404,876 beneficiaries.

(b)  The availability of maize in the country continues to be favourable
and has enabled the Government's Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit
to have a commodity reserve designated for relief purposes.


6)  Zimbabwe

(a)  In November, WFP distributed 34,249 tons of food to 2,558,884
beneficiaries in close partnership with implementing partners.  In
December it was planned to increase WFP food distributions to 2.8 million
people, but with a reduced cereal ration of 5 kg per month due to resource
shortfalls.

(b)  In January, with a full pipeline, WFP had planned to provide a total
of over 59,000 tons of food to 3.5 million people.  However, due to the
shortage of resources and commodities, WFP will only be able to provide
approximately 34,000 tons of food.  As a result, it has now been decided
to revert to a ration of 10 kg of cereal and 1.5 kg of corn-soya blend to
an estimated 1.6 million most vulnerable people.  In addition, 1 million
vulnerable people will only receive 10 kg of cereals.

(c)  WFP and its NGO partners report that they are experiencing acute
operational difficulties as a result of a further deterioration in the
financial circumstances prevailing in Zimbabwe.  For the past week local
currency has only been available at the official Central Bank exchange
rate, which is a fraction of the parallel rate which had operated until
recently.  Due to the shortage of local currency, NGO partners are unable
to make payments to staff and other service providers.  These difficulties
are being experienced in advance of the recent introduction of a new
monthly forex auction system, which is part of the Government's new
monetary policy.  The first auction will be held on 12 January after
which, in theory, local currency will be available at a market-determined
level.



E)  Asia: (1) DPRK

1)  DPRK

(a)  Under EMOP 10141.02, cereal rations for some 2.7 million
beneficiaries are stalled (January), including some core beneficiary
groups such as nursery children and pregnant and nursing women on the West
Coast, and primary school children country-wide. With the arrival of wheat
in the first quarter of 2004, cereal distributions to all
core-beneficiaries will resume for two months, but a new shortfall will
set in by the second quarter unless new pledges are immediately confirmed.

(b)  New pledges of about 176,000 tons of food are needed for the coming
six months, including approximately 147,000 tons of cereals. This does not
include recently announced contributions of 70,000 tons of mixed
commodities.

(c)  A steady increase in pneumonia cases among children has been observed
in hospitals over the last months, due to the cold weather and the
insufficient heating in homes and child institutions. Many hospitals also
have limited heating, deterring sick people from seeking treatment.



F)  Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Guatemala, (3)
Haiti

1)  Colombia

(a)  At least 40 people were killed in rural Colombia after illegal
left-wing rebels launched an attack against right-wing paramilitaries who
are holding peace talks with the government, police said on 31 December.
The clashes took place on 30 December near the village of San Pablo,
department of Bolivar, when leftist rebels attacked a camp of right-wing
paramilitaries.

(b)  Mayors and state governors around the country took office on 1
January after a campaign marred by violence in which 30 candidates were
killed.

(c)  On 3 January, a senior commander of one of a main Colombian rebel
group was arrested in Ecuador and brought to Colombia.

(d)  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called
for an investigation in Colombia due to attacks on human rights workers
and organizations.


2)  Guatemala

(a)  On 29 December, the Electoral Supreme Court proclaimed the final
official results of the run-off presidential election, with 100% of votes
counted, which confirmed the victory of Oscar Berger, former mayor of
Guatemala.  The opposing candidate, Alvaro Colom, accepted the results of
the election.

(b)  New elections were held in four municipalities where major incidents
had led the Electoral Supreme Court to declare the past 9 November's
elections null and void.  This time there were no significant incidents to
report.

(c)  The new government has expressed that it will place high priority on
the issue of malnutrition in the country.  All programs and projects aimed
at reducing malnutrition will be directly supervised by the incoming
Vice-presidency, which has already initiated contacts with WFP.

(d)  The National Institute of Seismology, Meteorology and Hydrology
reported two tremors of 3.8 degrees and 3.5 degrees in the Richter scale
with epicenter near the capital.  The tremors did not cause any damage or
injuries.


3) Haiti

(a)  On 1 January, WFP signed an agreement with OXFAM and CARITAS to
implement an emergency operation in the North of Haiti to assist about
6,000 families affected by floods and mud-slides. This agreement is part
of the implementing strategy of a recently approved Emergency Operation
amounting to USD 200,000.

(b)  The security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate on a daily
basis. Businesses are being attacked by people known to be pro-Aristide
and carrying arms.

(c)  Food distribution to assist victims of floods and mud-slides in Cap
Haitian and other areas in the Northern Department of Haiti started, based
upon an agreement between WFP, OXFAM and CARITAS.  The food has been
borrowed from the CP stock against IRA EMOP allocation. Similarly, about
2,800 flood victims are receiving WFP food assistance in the North West
department.  The Far West flood operation is being resourced from the
existing PRRO in the same area.



G)  Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: (1) North Caucasus (2) Albania

1)  North Caucasus

(a)  The security situation in the region remained tense during the last
week of December with an increased number of incidents. On the 28, the
Deputy Minister of Interior of Ingushetia was killed in Sunzha district. A
number of armed robberies were reported in Ingushetia. In Chechnya
terrorist attacks were prevented on the eve of the New Year festivities in
Gudermes, Shali, Achkhoi-Martan and other districts.

(b)  There are some 67,100 Chechen IDPs living in Ingushetia: 7,201 in
camps, 23,664 in spontaneous settlements and 36,241 in private
accommodation. Between 22 and 28 December some 115,000 vulnerable persons
received 975 tons of food-aid through WFP relief distribution via
implementing partners; 270 tons of food to 23,000 Chechen IDPs in
Ingushetia and 705 MT of food to about 93,000 'very poor' and 'poor'
household members in Grozny city, Grozny Rural and Sunzha districts of
Chechnya. Moreover, non food-items within WFP school feeding programmes
(262 schools), were distributed to some 67, 000 children.

(c)  During the reported period the remaining lot of 3,000 Mt. of US wheat
flour was dispatched from the port of St. Petersburg and is currently on
its way to Nazran, Ingushetia.


2)  Albania

(a)  The security situation is generally stable but potentially highly
volatile.The government has demonstrated seriousness to uphold the
security situation.  Strong security measures have been taken in the
diplomatic areas.

(b) During the reporting period, activities under PRRO 10165.0 continued
in the following areas: a) Communal Forestry and Pasture Management, b)
Social Sector Assistance to Women, and c)  Community Asset Building
through Food-For-Work.  The number of participants under the communal
forestry and pastures management was 4,669 while a total of 2,450 women
received family rations under the social sector for attending training and
counselling sessions.  In addition, 4,533 workers were engaged in
Food-For-Work (FFW) schemes generating short-term employment
opportunities. During the month, 714.508 MT of food commodities, which
included wheat flour, vegetable oil and salt were distributed to the
targeted beneficiaries.



CORRECTION:  Please note that the text in the present report on DPRK was
incorrectly included under Myanmar in the previous Weekly report, no 52
and 1, paragraphs E1 e-g .

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tonnes.

END Emergency Report No 2, 2004


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