Geneva (ICRC) - At its meeting on 22 June 1999 the Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) co-opted two new members, Dr Jacqueline Avril and Professor Jean-Philippe Assal. This brings the membership of the Committee, which is composed of Swiss citizens, to 23.

Dr Jacqueline Avril, of Dardagny in the canton of Geneva, was born in 1948. She is a doctor of medicine from the University of Geneva and has a general practice in Carouge, Geneva. She is also a member of the Board and Secretary of the Council of the Physicians' Association of the Canton of Geneva. Between 1981 and 1994 Dr Avril carried out a number of missions for the ICRC.

Dr Avril's term of office as a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross will begin on 1 September 1999.

Professor Jean-Philippe Assal, of Treytorrens in the canton of Vaud, was born in 1938. A medical doctor and professor of medicine, he runs the Division for Instruction in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases at the Geneva University Faculty of Medicine. He is also a member of the World Health Organization Committee of Experts on Diabetes, and was formerly a member of the Ethics Commission of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences.

Prof. Assal's term of office as a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross will begin on 15 August 1999.