Russian jet to deliver humanitarian aid to Cote d'Ivoire

MOSCOW, June 21 (Itar-Tass) - Russia is sending a consignment of
humanitarian aid to Cote d'Ivoire, officials at the Ministry for Emergency
Situations and Civil Defense /EMERCOM/ told Itar-Tass Monday.
"Following an instruction by the Russian government, EMERCOM is
organizing a delivery of humanitarian aide to Abijan in the Republic of
Cote d'Ivoire," an official said.
An Ilyushin-76 transport jet with the consignment aboard is to take
off from EMERCOM's Ramenskoye airdrome southeast off Moscow at 16:20
Moscow Standard Time /13:20 GMT/.
The jet is expected to deliver more than 36 tons of relief supplies
extended by Russia's State Agency for Reserves /Gosrezerv/. The
consignment consists of foodstuffs, blankets and tents.
Last Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman,
Alexander Lukashevich made public the Russian government's plans to grant
aid to the Ivoirian population as part of Russia's special-purpose
contribution to the UN World Food Program fund.
"In addition, the oil corporation LUKOIL has made known its readiness
to supply prime necessities to Cote d'Ivoire," he said, adding that Russia'
s aid is an act of good will and solidarity with the people of the West
African country torn apart by conflict.
The armed contentions in Cote d'Ivoire between the grouping that
supports President Elect Alassane Ouattara and the troops loyal to
President Loran Gbagbo, who is unwilling to resign, broke out five months
ago.
Armed clashes have carried away more than 3,000 human lives to date.