Cuba: Emergency Food Relief We understand that the Cuban Government has indicated it will not accept any U.S. contribution to the emergency food appeal in response to the drought. We stand ready to help the Cuban people, and are very disappointed at this Cuban Government decision. When the WFP appeal was launched, the United States informed the WFP that it would consider contributing up to one-third of the amount of food requested in the appeal provided that standard requirements were met concerning distribution of emergency food worldwide. Those include ensuring effective international monitoring of distribution to the needy, standard U.S. AID handclasp markings on donated foodstuffs, and efforts to involve nongovernmental humanitarian organizations in the distribution process. These requirements are the same as applied to emergency assistance provided throughout the world. A number of members of Congress and the public have expressed their support for such an approach. We regret that the Cuban Government has decided to put politics ahead of the basic needs of the Cuban people. We hope that the Cuban Government will reconsider its position and permit international humanitarian assistance to help the Cuban people. |