This is linked to my previous point. Aid European aid in particular is usually provided readily, and generously. The Kosovo crisis has also seen some governments intervene directly. I maintain the conviction which the Red Cross movement has done so much to promote that humanitarian assistance must remain as apolitical, civilian and neutral as possible, especially in situations of conflict. Supporting multilateral actors improves the coordination of relief programmes.
Multilateral aid is still a guarantee of effectiveness and impartiality.
Multilateral aid is aimed at people, and is not based on the interest of states. I would therefore like to request that member States of the Union, the European Commission, and other European governments, while usefully helping NGOs, also continue to provide support to multilateral organizations such as my Office, other UN agencies and the Red Cross institutions. Fifth, help us avoid the increasing gap between humanitarian and long-term development assistance . The international community must pay much closer attention, and much more coherent support to societies emerging from conflict. Peace-building in the period immediately following the end of conflicts is a very weak link in the international cooperation system, although it is a vital one, since it connects conflict resolution with development efforts.