The International Federation signs agreement with the Arab League
24 March 2003

Humanitarian crises in Iraq and the Middle East were very much to the fore at today's signing in Cairo of an historic agreement on humanitarian assistance between the Arab League and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Federation's Secretary General, Didier Cherpitel, emphasised the critical role that the Federation's member Red Crescent societies notably the Palestinian and Iraqi Red Crescent societies play in responding to humanitarian emergencies and bringing aid to the most vulnerable.

"Thanks to the good preparedness work of the Red Crescent in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, we have been able to launch an appeal for 111 million Swiss francs to assist as many as 305,000 people in the event of any major refugee crisis resulting from the present conflict. The Federation also continues to mobilise support for the emergency work of the Palestine Red Crescent Society on behalf of a population weakened by conflict, poverty and malnutrition," Cherpitel said.

Signing the accord with the Arab League, he said, was a significant step in formalizing existing collaboration between the two organizations and would promote co-ordination particularly in the areas of health and sanitation. "This will help our efforts to provide even greater support to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the member countries of the Arab League," said Cherpitel.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

In Amman
Sebastien Carliez, Regional Information Delegate - Tel: + 962 795 900 520
Saleh Dabbakeh, Information Officer - Tel: + 962 795 851 122
Rana Sidani, Information Delegate - Tel: + 962 77 37 62 24

In Geneva
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 57
Marie-Françoise Borel, Press officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 / + 41 79 217 33 45
Media Service Duty Phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.