EU offers more aid for Georgia

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union on Friday announced five million euros (7.4 million dollars) in fresh aid to conflict-hit Georgia, urging Russia to allow the humanitarian help to reach the people who need it.

The new package comes on top of one million euros of fast-track aid released by the EU's executive arm on August 10, soon after fighting between Georgian and Russian forces broke out.

"We are now releasing additional funds following the United Nations' Georgia Crisis Flash Appeal and on the basis of our assessment of the evolving humanitarian situation on the spot," said EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel.

However he added that access to the conflict-affected areas "remains the most serious constraint to our humanitarian response.

"I call upon the Russian authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid workers have full and safe access to the people in need."

The new money will be spent on food, shelter, emergency water and sanitation facilities as well as clothes, blankets, cooking utensils, healthcare and protection, notably for women and children.

Mine clearance and mine awareness training will also be funded.

It is aimed at the worst-hit populations in Georgia, including displaced people from the flashpoint area of South Ossetia, the town of Gori and surrounding areas.

Georgian refugees in the Russian Federation will also be helped.

UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and various NGOs will distribute the aid.

The EU has activated its Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) linking the civil protection authorities of 30 participating European States. Three MIC experts from Britain, Denmark and France have been sent to Georgia to coordinate the assistance.

On Wednesday the commission said security was improving in Georgia, allowing humanitarian groups to work more effectively, but aid was still not getting into South Ossetia.