Trogir, March 20, 1996 (IKA) - On March 20, returning to Jajce from
of the parish Caritas and St. Anthonýs Bread, stated that there is a grave
food shortage in the city of Jajce and vicinity. The warehouses are empty.
None of the promised shipments of humanitarian aid have arrived and it is
not known if and when any will arrive. Fra Stipe issued the following
appeal: "I call upon all people of goodwill, here and throughout the world,
to send help, at least the urgently needed basic foodstuffs such as flour,
rice, sugar, salt, potatoes and hygienic supplies." Fra Stipe also stated
that since September 1995, nearly 10,000 returnees, including approximately
3,000 children, have been subsisting exclusively on the assistance provided
by Church humanitarian organizations. "The economy has collapsed and there
are no signs yet of a revival. The few people with employment receive low
wages. Worst of all is that among the returnees, an (un)justified fear of
hunger prevails. Some have already left the city and many are preparing to
do so. This is causing general concern, especially to the Franciscan
priests who had urged the people to return," said Fra Stipe. Emergency
assistance should be sent to Jajce. Further information can be obtained by
telephone from Jajce ( ) 79-121 or Trogir (021) 884-323. (d03206/sp/mjb)
