1. Who are we?

The IFRC Europe Zone is one of the five decentralised geographic areas, with several regional and country offices, covering the European continent in the broadest political meaning, i.e. 52 countries including the successor states of the former Soviet Union in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

I. INTRODUCTION

This is a summary of what was said by the UNHCR spokesperson at today’s Palais des Nations press briefing in Geneva. Further information can be found on the UNHCR websites, www.unhcr.org and www.unhcr.fr, which should also be checked for regular media updates on non-briefing days.

This report covers the period from 01/01/2011 to 30/06/2011.

In brief

Programme outcome: The Montenegro Red Cross Society`s programmes are aligned with the principle aims of Strategy 2020 of the International Federation to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises; enable healthy and safe living; and promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace. The capacity-building efforts are in line with Enabling Action One to build strong National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Summary: CHF 50,255 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society of Montenegro in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,350 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

In brief

Programme purpose: All programmes and activities of the Red Cross of Montenegro are aligned and contribute to the Strategy 2020 aiming to improve the lives and to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people through disaster management, health and care, organizational development, and focus on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values.

In response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Government of Montenegro provided relief money of 100,000 euro (about 12 million yen).

From Montenegro, letters of sympathy and condolences were sent from H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanovic, President, H.E. Dr. Igor Luksic, Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ranko Krivokapic, President of the Parliament, H.E. Mr. Milan Rocen, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

The Government of Japan deeply appreciates the sense of solidarity expressed and generous assistance extended by the Government of Montenegro and its people.

Belgrade, 11 Feb 2011 - Deputy Prime Minister Jovan Krkobabic spoke today with special advisor to the UNHCR High Commissioner for Refugees Anne Willem Bijleveld about open issues in the resolution of the long-lasting refugee crisis in the Western Balkans.

Krkobabic and Bijleveld agreed that there is good will of four countries - Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia to resolve open issues in a constructive way, and one of the manners to do so is the donors' conference scheduled to be held in June this year.

Krkobabic underlined that all issues