2001 Press Releases
Humanitarian Aid Shipments Arrive in Ashgabat
Dec. 10, 2001
Support From America's Fund for Afghan Children
U.S. President George W. Bush sent off the first of two special American Red Cross humanitarian aid flights for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, December 8 in Maryland. The C-17 U.S. military cargo planes arrived in Ashgabat on December 10, 2001, carrying winter jackets, tents, and gift parcels for Afghan children. This aid was funded by donations from American children after President Bush announced the formation of "America's Fund for Afghan Children" in early October. The American Red Cross, a U.S. non-profit organization, has transformed these donations into desperately needed relief supplies for the people of Afghanistan.
U.S. Ambassador Laura E. Kennedy was joined by Advisor to President Niyazov Mukhmamet Nazarov, Deputy Chairman
of the Cabinet of Ministers Berdimurad Rejepov and Deputy Foreign Minister Batyr Hudaygulyev to welcome the first plane at its arrival in Ashgabat. American Red Cross Regional Director Francois de la Roche, American Red Cross Local Delegate Sheila Thornton, and Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan Chairwoman Zuhra Ellieva, as well as representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who transported the aid overland to Afghanistan, were also present.
President Bush announced on Saturday that the fund had raised to date over $1.5 million for Afghan children. "This first shipment represents the good will of the American children," he said. "It also represents our hope and desires that the plight of the Afghan children improves, that life can be better for all children in the world."
Together, the flights contain 1,658 winter jackets, 1,500 winterized family-sized tents, and 10,000 gift parcels (including hats, socks, school supplies, and candy) for children of Northwest Afghanistan.
The United States Government was the leading provider of humanitarian assistance prior to September 11, and remains so today. From October to December 2001, the U.S. has donated over $246 million of assistance to Afghanistan. The U.S. supplies more than 80 percent of all food aid for Afghanistan through the World Food Program. It is deeply committed to the health and welfare of the Afghan people.
