Press Release: European Commission dispatches a humanitarian expert to Kyrgyzstan to asses the needs and stands ready to mobilise funds

In reaction to reports of intensifying interethnic fighting in the south of Kyrgyzstan, the European Commission decided on 15 June 2010 to dispatch a humanitarian expert to the country to assess humanitarian needs. The Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva, said: 'With thousands of civilians massed at the border to flee the country and others who cannot leave their homes due to ongoing fighting we have to be ready to react to the humanitarian situation that may arise. We are monitoring the evolution of the events and if need be, the EU stands ready to mobilise humanitarian funds at short notice'.