United Nations suspend north Caucasus aid operations

Moscow, 29 July 2002. In light of the kidnapping in the Republic of Chechnya of Ms Nina Davidovich, a Russian aid worker heading a non-governmental organisation, Druzhba, the United Nations agencies have decided to suspend their humanitarian programmes in the North Caucasus. The suspension is valid for two days in the Republic of Ingushetia, where Druzhba is based, and is indefinite in the Republic of Chechnya, where the kidnapping took place.
Druzhba, a local organization, is working as an implementing partner of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) carrying educational and psychosocial programmes for children affected by the consequences of the situation in Chechnya.

For further information please contact the United Nations' designated public information officer on this issue, Ms Victoria Zotikova, on (095) 956 63 55