The present humanitarian problems in Afghanistan as well as its neighbouring countries Pakistan and Iran are expected to increase due to the military operations targeting Afghanistan.

With a view to mitigating the conditions in the refugee camps in the region and taking into account the continuing refugee movements, the governments concerned, international organizations and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are making preparations and exchanging views with each other.

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), within this framework, will be organizing a meeting of the heads of the regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to assess the situation in Afghanistan and to coordinate the humanitarian aid efforts. This meeting will be held in Ankara on 18 October 2001.

The Turkish Government, which has been very responsive to the difficult humanitarian situation in Afghanistan since the outset, welcomes the said coordination meeting and supports all the efforts aiming at the efficient and expeditious shipment of humanitarians aid to those in need.

Around 40 participants from 15 countries are expected to attend the said meeting that is being organized by the active support of the Turkish Red Crescent Society.