the kosovo crisis

CARE REMAINS IN YUGOSLAVIA
STAFF EVACUATE KOSOVO BUT OPERATE FROM BELGRADE

March 24, 1999

CONTACT: Claudia M. Chang
CARE USA Public Relations
Telephone: 404-681-2552, ext. 383
Home: 404-873-6193

WHAT: CARE International staff are safe and operating programs out of Belgrade to continue providing assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict. CARE suspended operations in Kosovo March 22, when NATO threatened air strikes in the wake of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's refusal to accept a negotiated peace plan.

CARE staff also will be assessing the need for expanded relief operations in Macedonia to help support the growing number of refugees from Kosovo who are crossing the border fleeing conflict in the Yugoslav province. Estimates place the number of refugees already in Macedonia between 13,000 and 16,000. Macedonian authorities said they can provide for up to 20,000 refugees but will need help as more families arrive from Kosovo. Larger refugee movements from the embattled Serb province are expected in light of the recent start of air strikes.

WHO: Bob Macpherson, Assistant Director of CARE's Emergency Unit, is available for media interviews. Macpherson recently returned from Kosovo after reviewing CARE's aid operations there. He also is exploring how to address the evolving problem of land mines and unexploded ordinance such as bombs, shells and bullets in Yugoslavia.

"CARE continues to focus on the needs of all people caught in the situation," says Macpherson. "...we have thousands of families over there who need our help now."

Marge Tsitouris, Director of CARE's Emergency Unit, also is available for media interviews. She has extensive knowledge of programming in food and logistics, water and sanitation, infrastructure, and health. Tsitouris has over 22 years of overseas experience, serving in Central America, Asia, and East and West Africa.

CARE: CARE has been in Yugoslavia since 1994, providing support for thousands of displaced people. Programs have focused on health and winterisation projects, aimed at helping families displaced by conflict survive harsh winters. The support also has included repair of protective shelters and distribution of blankets, mattresses and food.