Kuwait commits 1 mn dollars to UN ‘emergency relief’ fund

Kuwait welcomes Libyan reconciliation accord

WASHINGTON, Dec 18, (KUNA): The State of Kuwait pledged USD one million to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Thursday, marking the 10th anniversary of the international relief mechanism that responds within hours to major crises around the world.

In a statement delivered at UN Headquarters in New York, Kuwaiti economist Hiam Al-Fassam commended CERF and emphasized Kuwait’s support for a multilateral, humanitarian and rapid response force that would “alleviate the difficulties and dangers faced by human beings.” She noted that Kuwait has decided to increase its annual voluntary contributions to various UN agencies that supply humanitarian aid. It also donated USD one million to CERF last year.

Earlier in the day, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said while CERF was among the first on the ground to respond to natural disasters and the fallout from conflict, there are still obstacles to overcome.

“Despite the generosity of donors, the gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available to meet them is growing every year,” he said.

“My High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing will soon recommend ways to transform funding so we can provide secure, adequate and predictable resources for people in crisis,” he added.

“CERF remains well-placed to help address some of the key challenges that have already been identified, including the call for greater collaboration between aid agencies,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UN-brokered agreement reached by representatives of the UN-recognized Libyan government in Tobruk and the Tripolibased government in Skhirate city, west Morocco, on Thursday.

An official of the Ministry voiced hope that the agreement will put an end to the suffering of the brotherly Libyan people due to three years of civil strife.

He urged all Libyan parties to seize the chance brought about by the reconciliation accord and put the national interests of their country above all considerations in order to rebuild the country and realize the aspirations of the nation.

The official praised the mediation efforts made by friendly countries, and the UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Martin Kobler.

The accord was signed in the presence of Kobler, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Salaheddine Mezouar and his peers from Spain, Italy, Qatar, Tunisia and Turkey, as well as representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union.

Minister of Information and State Minister for Youth Affairs on Thursday received in his office Editor-in-Chief of Elaf e-Newspaper Othman Al-Omair. They discussed various

issues of mutual concern after exchanging pleasantries.