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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 2, 1999

FACT SHEET

                   U.S. Humanitarian Relief Efforts
                        for Kosovar Albanians

Since the eruption of hostilities in Kosovo in February 1998, the United States has been at the forefront of international efforts to address the humanitarian needs of persons displaced within Kosovo and refugees fleeing Kosovo:

To date, the United States has contributed an estimated $150 million to the humanitarian relief efforts for the Kosovar Albanians.
This sum include the provision of $50 million announced by the Clinton Administration on March 31:
Half of these funds ($25 million) comes from the Refugee Emergency and Migration Account (ERMA) and will be used to support international organizations such as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees as well as nongovernmental organizations.
The other $25 million is comprised of goods and services, including transport, shelter and logistical support, to be provided by the Department of Defense pursuant to Section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) to Macedonia and Albania. These teams are evaluating needs and coordinating our humanitarian response.
USAID is sending to Macedonia 200 boxes of plastic sheeting (480,000 sq. ft.), 20,000 hygiene kits and 39,000 blankets for use in relief efforts.
USAID is also shipping 700 tents and 20,000 water jugs for use by the refugee population in Albania.
The U.S. Government is working closely with our NATO allies to ensure a stable and secure environment in which relief operations can take place in both Albania and Macedonia.

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