The lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has often been blurred by treacherous attacks of wars, conflicts and violence, culminating into odious proceedings.
The same, might or might not, happen in Libya, if given a chance.
Valerie Amos, the UN Under-secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has stated that there is no immediate need to accept EU offer providing military escorts in Libya.
She stated that aid shipments of water, food and medicines are getting to the needy Libyans without the necessity of the military escorts.
Civilian assets are currently being used to evacuate the people and to provide the aid to the victims. Military help, she said would be needed only if the situation worsens.
She also stressed on being vigilant and respecting the boundaries between aid and military, without blurring them.
The NATO and EU need to take the permission of the UN before sending military escorts to Libya, she further announced.
Though, she did mention that security situation for the aid workers itself is very dangerous due to the continuous bombing in Libya. But she also revealed that the Colonel Gadaffi forces have agreed to allow the required access to the aid workers.
Amos went on a trip to Libya to meticulously observe the current status of the conflict. Unfortunately, the humanitarian deal does not provide security to the aid workers who are entering the city.
‘Libya Military mission’
In a major development yesterday, France and Italy have agreed to send senior military officials in Libya to give needed advice to the opposition forces.
In a report issued by Reuters, 27 countries in the EU have agreed to launch the military mission to support the humanitarian work in Libya.
This mission would involve the task of security the aid workers, guarding the transport channels and also guarding the Tunisian Egypt borders where several refugee camps are set up.
The French and Italian officials had stated that around ten military advisors would be sent to Libya under this decision.
This move was influenced by President Obama’s announcement of providing $25 million to non lethal force decision in Libya.
Meanwhile, Oxfam, the British aid group has also warned EU against sending military officials in Libya.
Jamie Balfour-Paul, Oxfam’s spokesperson in the Middle East also said referring from the past experiences, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has only bought more controversies.
‘Two Award winning journalists dead’
Meanwhile, two award winning photo journalists Briton Tim Hetherington and US Chris Hondros were killed in a motor attack in Misrata.
According to few other journalists, these two were trying to pull back from the front line when they came under fire.
The Libyan government has expressed ‘sadness’ over the sudden death of these two photographers.
Credit: Photo from Getty Images
shubhdachaudhary 