The following is the text of a statement released in Washington, D.C. on March 12.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
March 12, 2004

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

United States Contributes $900,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross

The United States is pleased to announce an additional contribution of $900,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This contribution is in response to the International Committee of the Red Cross 2004 Budget Extension Appeal for conflict victims in Haiti. That appeal focuses on strengthening medical/surgical capabilities at hospitals in Port-au-Prince and Gonaives, as well as improving security at hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country.

The United States is the largest single contributor to the International Committee of the Red Cross and provided some $150 million to it in fiscal year 2003.

The United States has the highest regard for the difficult and often dangerous work of the more than 9,000 International Committee of the Red Cross staff in providing assistance and protection to victims of conflict. Our contributions are indicative of our strong support for its crucial role in international humanitarian assistance.

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