Austria to provide 4 mln euros in humanitarian aid to Syria

VIENNA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian government has confirmed Wednesday it will provide a further 4 million euros (5 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid in Syria.

Foreign Affairs Minister Karin Kneissl said in a press release the money would be drawn from the government's foreign disaster fund, and be targeted at two partner organizations who will provide efficient humanitarian aid.

The majority of the funding will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and is to go toward the distribution of food parcels, repairing water facilities, the provision of farming equipment and seeds, and activities to protect the civilian population in the war-stricken country.

The remainder will go to UNICEF, where it will be spent on healthcare, nutrition, education, and the protection of children.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also welcomed the cabinet's decision to provide the funding, noting that the conflict has been responsible for 400,000 deaths, and over 5 million refugees who have fled Syria.

"Alongside our efforts toward a diplomatic solution, it is also our responsibility to help on the ground," he said. Enditem