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Bolivia: ICRC response

17-10-2003 News Release 03/69

Geneva (ICRC) – An ICRC-rented aircraft landed today at La Paz's international airport of El Alto. On board was a first consignment of medical and relief items for people suffering the effects of prolonged internal strife in Bolivia.

The Bolivian Red Cross (BRC) and the ICRC will be delivering these much-needed supplies to hospitals and medical centres, which are treating scores of casualties following the recent upheavals.

Despite the tense situation in the Bolivian capital, the BRC has remained active, helping civilian victims and taking them to hospital.

The air shipment was accompanied by the ICRC's Lima-based regional delegate. Together with other ICRC staff and BRC medical personnel, the regional delegate will be assessing the situation and assisting the BRC in preparing to meet any further needs.

The ICRC is concerned about the current situation and calls on all parties to show restraint and to facilitate Red Cross work by respecting the protective emblem.

 For further information, please contact:  

 Roland Sidler, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++41 22 730 20 45 or ++41 79 217 32 58 (mobile)  

 Dafne Martos, ICRC Lima, tel. ++51 14 60 27 19