EMERGENCY CANADIAN AID TO AFGHAN AND PAKISTAN

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001275 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAN, SCA/PB AND SCA/A STATE PASS USAID FOR ANE AND DCHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID SOCI SENV AF PK CA SUBJECT: EMERGENCY CANADIAN AID TO AFGHAN AND PAKISTAN STORM VICTIMS ¶1. Foreign Minister MacKay and International Development Minister Verner announced in a July 4 press release that Canada will contribute up to C$2 million to provide immediate relief to the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan affected by recent flash floods and landslides. The humanitarian aid will be provided through trusted international and local partners involved in the relief effort. While India was also affected by the storms, the press release said that Indian government has not requested international assistance. ¶2. MacKay said that "on behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by the flooding. Ensuring their safety and responding to their basic human needs is important to the Government of Canada. We have been in close touch with the governments (of Pakistan and Afghanistan) and with humanitarian partners to determine the best way for Canada to assist." Verner added that "this new funding builds on existing Canadian humanitarian programs. For instance, in Afghanistan, food and other immediate relief is already provided through existing agreements with the World Food Program and UNICEF." The press release said that Canada may adjust its contribution as needs in the affected areas are assessed. Visit our shared North American Partnership blog (Canada & Mexico) at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap WILKINS