EMES

The Situation in Georgia

Georgian Friends have been responding to the crisis that has erupted in their country over the past week. As refugees continue to pour into the East of the country from the areas affected by the war, the small Quaker Worship Group has been seeking to organise some relief. As they are now registered as an NGO, Friends House Georgia, they are able to collect and distribute funds and other relief. The refugees are being put up in schools during the holiday period but are sleeping on floors and desks.

International Member Jimsher Chachibaia, who has medical training, has been working as a volunteer in hospitals, which he describes as being full. Relatives have to provide food for the patients whilst they are in hospital, which can be difficult to do, especially when families have been broken up.

On Wednesday 27th August, Mikheil Elizbarashvili writes: "The Russian army left Gori and some other cities of Georgia, but they still remain in the city of Zugdidi in 10 Km from Abkhazia and they opened many checkpoints in the western part of of Georgia. They also stay at the seaport of Poti. NATO's military vessels came to the Black Sea a few of them stay at the seaport of Batumi. Russia proclaimed the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We hope the conflict will not turn to a new phase and Georgia will not turn into a battle field. We have received the donation from the FWCC and already bought some food, medication, hygiene kits and will distribute it to refugees from tomorrow."

Friends need funds for mattresses, blankets, and towels. FWCC World Office can collect funds and remit them to Friends House Georgia in either dollars or pounds. Donations can be made via PayPal on the website www.fwccworld.org