The US government has authorized the availability of urgent humanitarian food supplies for the people of Iraq. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Agency for International Development Administrator Andrew S. Natsios announced the immediate release of 200,000 metric tons of wheat from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, with another 400,000 tons to be made available as needed.
A portion of the wheat from the reserve will be exchanged for rice, so that a combination of commodities will be available to feed the people of Iraq. The first shipment of wheat is expected to begin moving next week, and more wheat and rice will follow over the next several weeks. Another 400,000 tons will be available and shipped as needed.
The commodities will be provided through the US government's major humanitarian food aid program administered by the US Agency for International Development, which has prepositioned water, blankets, shelters, medical kits and other relief supplies to help the people of Iraq.
The United States is working in close partnership with international institutions and other nations as well as private voluntary organizations to ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian relief for Iraq. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
