Envoy commends Kuwait's support to displaced Iraqis

KUWAIT: The US ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman poses for a group photo with Kuwait Red Crescent Society members. — KUNA

KUWAIT/IRBIL: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) will launch a donations' campaign with the onset of the holy month of Ramadan to raise money for treating Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon as well the injured and patients in Yemen. Lama Al-Othman, director of projects development at the society, said yesterday that the financial allocations would be used for patients in need for dialysis, treating refugees suffering from cardiac diseases and illnesses, cancer, spinal problems or those who need artificial limbs. The society receives donations throughout the fasting month at its headquarters from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, or via its website. Donors who show up first encourage others to follow suit, particularly amid Ramadan's special spirituality, she says. The KRCS has organized a series of medical and relief operations for the refugees and the people of Yemen.

Kuwait's support

Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman yesterday paid tribute to Kuwait's humanitarian efforts, especially the country's relief initiatives to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced Iraqi people.  In a press statement after meeting the Deputy Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Anwar Al-Hasawi, Silliman lauded the KRCS's programs supporting the displaced families in Iraq.

These programs have been appreciated by the Iraqi authorities and the humanitarian organizations operating in the country, the envoy said.  During the meeting, the US diplomat was briefed on the society's philanthropic efforts and initiatives both on the local and regional scenes as well as around the globe.  He was also offered an account of Kuwait's efforts through the "Kuwait is by your side" campaign to help the Iraqis.

Meanwhile, Hasawi said in a statement that the society is committed to continuing consultations with the parties concerned with the issue of the displaced in Iraq, out of keenness to help and support. The KRCS looks forward to more coordination with the regional and international organizations in Iraq to achieve the relevant humanitarian and development projects there.

30 tons

In other news, Kuwait distributed 30 tons of urgent food aid to displaced Iraqis in the war-torn northern Iraqi city of Mosul.  The aid is part of Kuwait's ongoing campaign entitled 'Kuwait is By Your Side;' an initiative launched to mitigate the misery many Iraqis are mired in, said Najim-el-Din Mohammad, a representative of Iraq's Barazani Charity. On the recipients of the aid, he said they face dismal conditions and are in dire need of such support, as he thanked Kuwait for the copious amounts of aid that has flowed into Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iraq's Minister of Immigration and Immigrants Dr Jassim Al-Jaf urged international organizations to work together to rebuild areas that have been liberated from "the clutch of terrorism." Kuwait handed out some 6,000 food baskets to needy Iraqi families living outside of camps scattered across the war-ravaged city. - KUNA