http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/ Recent USAID Press Releases and Disaster Assistance Fact Sheets on USAID Assistance to the People of Georgia en-us http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification webmaster@info.usaid.gov webmaster@info.usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/090508georgiace_fs17.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/090508georgiace_fs17.pdf On September 5, the final of three scheduled shipments of relief commodities transported by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard arrived in Poti, Georgia. The emergency relief commodities aboard the USS Mount Whitney will be distributed to affected populations by USAID partners.. Fri, 5 Sep 2008 16:12:27 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/090308georgiace_fs16.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/090308georgiace_fs16.pdf On September 3, the U.S. Government (USG) announced plans to provide $1 billion of aid to support Georgia's humanitarian needs and economic recovery. The multi-sector support includes funds for humanitarian assistance, as well as funds to rebuild Georgia’s infrastructure and economy. Wed, 3 Sep 2008 16:12:27 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082908georgiace_fs15.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082908georgiace_fs15.pdf New displacements of people from villages north of Gori along the border area of South Ossetia occurred on both August 26 and 27, although UNHCR reported that no newly displaced people arrived in Gori on August 28. Most internally displaced persons (IDPs) in western areas of Georgia remain with host families or in collective centers, according to UNHCR, although up to 20 percent of IDPs from Batumi and Lanchkhuti towns have returned. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:55:39 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082708georgiace_fs14.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082708georgiace_fs14.pdf The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) notes that large-scale returns from Tbilisi to the Gori area since August 22 have likely shifted humanitarian needs from Tbilisi to Gori. In response, relief agencies are working to identify and assess needs and to address logistical challenges related to providing support for both the new internally displaced person (IDP) population as well as long-term displaced persons from previous conflicts. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:37:05 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082608georgiace_fs13.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082608georgiace_fs13.pdf According to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government of Georgia (GoG) plans to close all internally displaced person (IDP) centers in Tbilisi by September 30 and relocate remaining IDPs to Gori in order to facilitate schools reopening as scheduled in October. The GoG intends to establish collective centers in Gori to accommodate IDPs unable to return to homes in Gori or South Ossetia or other locations. Current GoG planning figures estimate that between 15,000 and 30,000 new IDPs may remain displaced in the long-term. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:59:44 -0500 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=306 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=306 The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is working to facilitate the offloading of relief commodities from the USS McFaul in Batumi port and onward transport to Tbilisi. Two additional ships are scheduled to deliver humanitarian supplies in the coming days. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:01:01 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082508georgiace_fs12.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082508georgiace_fs12.pdf International media reported that a train carrying fuel reportedly struck a landmine near Gori town in Shida Kartli Region on August 24, damaging a second rail line in the country. The Government of Georgia (GOG) currently estimates that the main east-west rail line connecting the capital of Tbilisi to the Black Sea ports will be fully operational within 30 days, following repairs to the bridge damaged in an explosion on August 16. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:06:18 -0500 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=307 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=307 On August 23, five US European Command (EUCOM) flights arrived in Tbilisi delivering 52,500 Humanitarian Daily Rations and 17,280 meals-ready-to-eat, 8 tent sets, and 432 cots from DOD stockpiles; 335 sleeping bags from State/EUR/ACE warehouses in Germany; and 5,010 hygiene kits from USAID/OFDA's warehouse in Pisa, Italy. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:01:01 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082408georgiace_fs11.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082408georgiace_fs11.pdf On August 24, three staff on USAID's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) traveled to the Port of Batumi to receive a scheduled shipment of relief commodities, including hygiene supplies, water, and paper goods, transported by the USS McFaul. The commodities will be consigned to non-governmental organization (NGO) partners for further distribution to conflict-affected populations. The USS McFaul is the first of three planned U.S. government (USG) vessels to reach Georgia with emergency relief supplies. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:43:30 -0500 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=305 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=305 On August 21, USAID Administrator and Director of Foreign Assistance Henrietta Fore and US European Command Commander and NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe General Bantz Craddock arrived in Georgia to monitor the USG humanitarian relief effort for populations affected by the recent conflict. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:01:01 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082308georgiace_fs10.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082308georgiace_fs10.pdf A U.S. Navy vessel and U.S. Coast Guard cutter are scheduled to arrive in Georgia in the coming days to deliver additional relief commodities. The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) together with nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners are planning to receive and distribute the commodities. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:51:05 -0500 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=308 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=308 USAID implementing partners have noted that priority needs in many internally displaced person (IDP) collective centers in and around Tbilisi include psycho-social support; water, sanitation, and hygiene activities; and assistance to vulnerable populations, including women and children. According to the U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF), priority needs for the nearly 40,000 children affected by the Georgia crisis include psycho-social assistance and nutrition support. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:01:01 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082208georgiace_fs09.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082208georgiace_fs09.pdf On August 21, USAID Administrator and Director of Foreign Assistance Henrietta H. Fore and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Commander General Bantz J. Craddock traveled to Tbilisi to view the situation and monitor USG humanitarian relief effort for populations affected by the recent conflict. During the visit, Administrator Fore and General Craddock visited an internally displaced person (IDP) center, where 337 IDPs, primarily from South Ossetia and Gori, are staying. Administrator Fore and General Craddock also visited a local hospital, which is funded by USAID/Georgia, and met with wounded and displaced Georgians. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:10:35 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2008/sp080821.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2008/sp080821.html And there are two main messages that I've been sending today, in addition to the one that you all know, which is that we as the United States government stand as friends, with a vigorous and ongoing humanitarian assistance to the people and the government of Georgia, and that we are working as a team: diplomacy, development and defense. And I called on Russia for allowing the IDPs to return home. This is the time for them to be able to return home. And second, I called for full access to all humanitarian teams as well as for the assessment teams for both humanitarian as well as reconstruction assistance. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082108georgiace_fs08.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082108georgiace_fs08.pdf Human rights organizations have cautioned that the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the recent armed conflict in Georgia poses a security risk to area residents. The Government of the Russian Federation (GoRF) reports that de-mining teams have cleared 738 UXOs in South Ossetia, Georgia, to date. In addition, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Halo Trust has dispatched seven teams to survey the approximate number and locations of unexploded munitions to prepare for future de-mining operations. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:46:55 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082008georgiace_fs07.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/082008georgiace_fs07.pdf According to the U.N., the GOG's Minister of Finance and Minister of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs are coordinating the GOG's overall response to the ongoing emergency with support from different line ministries for particular sector issues. The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which has been in Tbilisi since August 15, continues to conduct site visits with non-governmental organization (NGO) partners and work with coordination groups operating in and around Tbilisi to provide needed assistance to conflict-affected populations and inform U.S. government assistance priorities. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:08:26 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081908georgiace_fs06.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081908georgiace_fs06.pdf As of August 19, international media report few significant signs of Russian troops withdrawing from Georgia, despite pledges to begin pulling back to pre-conflict areas beginning August 18. In contrast, multiple reports cite new checkpoints, trenches, and barricades around Gori and Karaleti towns in Shida Kartli Region. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:47:47 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081808georgiace_fs05.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081808georgiace_fs05.pdf On August 18, the U.N. released a flash appeal for international humanitarian assistance to address emergency needs in Georgia. The appeal calls for more than $58.5 million to meet emergency needs of 128,700 beneficiaries for up to six months. The appeal addresses needs within Georgia; to date, the Government of the Russian Federation (GoRF) has not requested international humanitarian assistance. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:27:47 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081708georgiace_fs04.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081708georgiace_fs04.pdf On August 17, international media reported that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to begin withdrawing Russian armed forces from Georgia beginning August 18. Media sources indicated no significant fighting on August 17, although Russian troops reportedly retain control of multiple towns as well as the major east-west highway in the country. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:15:45 -0500 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=301 http://georgia.usaid.gov/index.php?m=28&newsid=301 In response to the armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region of South Ossetia and across Georgia, the United States has provided over $3.8 million in assistance to the people of Georgia to date. Working in close coordination with the government of Georgia, U.S. assistance is being provided through non-governmental and international organizations working in the affected areas. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081608georgiace_fs03.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081608georgiace_fs03.pdf USAID/Georgia staff received reports that Russian armed forces allegedly bombed a bridge on a critical rail line between Gori town in Shida Kartli Region and the Georgian capital of Tbilisi early on August 16. The rail line is a main east-west transport route for food, petroleum, and humanitarian commodities within the country, and USAID/Georgia notes the potential for resulting fuel shortages and disruptions to planned relief shipments. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:40:45 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2008/pr080815.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2008/pr080815.html The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing an additional $1 million in assistance to the people of Georgia in response to the crisis situation, bringing the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to $3.77 million to date. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:33:25 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081508georgiace_fs02.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081508georgiace_fs02.pdf On August 15, Georgian President Saakashvili signed a ceasefire agreement brokered by France and presented by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Tbilisi, Georgia, according to international media. The agreement calls for all troops to pull back to pre-conflict positions and for parties to begin discussions on the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:07:34 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081408georgiace_fs01.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/ce/documents/081408georgiace_fs01.pdf Since early August, heightened tension between a South Ossetian separatist group and Georgian and Russian armed forces escalated into armed conflict, affecting areas within Georgia and along the Georgia-Russia border. Fighting and aerial attacks have killed an unconfirmed number of civilians, displaced populations, and damaged or destroyed public infrastructure including hospitals and additional medical facilities. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:17:51 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2008/pr080811.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2008/pr080811.html The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have provided an initial $250,000 in emergency assistance for the people of Georgia in response to the crisis situation. This funding will be used for emergency relief supplies that can assist up to 10,000 people. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:26:55 -0500