15.05.99

NUMBER OF REFUGEES

According to Ministry of Interior (MVR), in the last 24 hours, 119 new refugees entered Macedonia. 65 of them entered legally in borderland Blace, while other 54 entered illegally. The total number of refugees in Macedonia is 230.267, while 125.742 of them have the status of humanitarian cared person. 85.552 refugees have been settled in camps and 114.715 in families.

Yesterday, 274 refugees were transferred to Sweden and Norway using airlift, while the day before yesterday 2.010 refugees were transferred from Macedonia using airlift. Up to now, 50.822 refugees left Macedonia using airlift.

 

 

CAMPS

According to the daily newspapers Dnevnik and Makedonija Denes, high temperatures could cause appearing of epidemics of cholera and meningitis in refugee camps in Macedonia, say doctors that are working in camps. The situation is especially bad in refugee camp in Cegrane, because there is no sufficient water, even drinkable.

According to the daily newspaper Flaka, more than 35.000 refugees have been settled in refugee camp in Cegrane. They formed a Coordination council for improving life conditions in that camp.

According to the daily newspaper Fakti, two young men died when snakes stitched them, even that there is no official verification. Also a snake stitched an 11-year old boy, but doctors reacted very fast and saved his life.

 

 

SUPPORT

Hilary Clinton, wife of American president Bill Clinton, yesterday in Skopje deeply thanked Macedonia for everything they have done for kosovar refugees. She visited refugee camp in Stenkovec accompanied by American ambassador in Macedonia. Christopher Hill, and showed concern for life conditions in this camp. She said: "I came here to bring a message of hope for refugees and a message of support for Macedonian people and Macedonian authorities."

Humanitarian organization Mercy Corps (MCI) signed contracts valuable to 500.000 US dollars with some Macedonian firms that produce milk and cheese. These products will be distributed to refugees in Macedonia.

According to the daily newspaper Fakti, Macedonian vice-minister of education, Dr. Fejzulla Shabani, said that 18.000 refugee children have been included in schools in Macedonia.

According to the daily newspaper Vecer, representatives of HO "El Hilall" in Tetovo say that more than 60.000 refugees have been settled in Tetovo and its environs. 4.620 have been included in elementary schools without those in camp Neprosteno, while 1.200 have been included in secondary schools.