Rome, 31 October 2008 - Acting on instructions from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, the Ministry has arranged an emergency contribution of 150,000 euros for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The contribution is a first concrete and immediate gesture of solidarity with the Yemeni people struck by the serious floods in the regions of Hadramaut and Maharah
In addition, to respond to the immediate urgent needs of the people hit by the earthquake in Balochistan province in Pakistan, which has already caused grave loss of human life and serious damage to infrastructure, Minister Frattini has authorised a contribution of 250,000 euros to the bilateral emergency fund for the International Committee of the Red Cross. The funding is being channelled through the Directorate General for Development Cooperation.