photo - EPA

Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has signed a decree freeing up 1.5 million zloty for humanitarian aid for Libya.

Sources at the Foreign Ministry have told Polish Radio that the money will come from budget reserves, with the agreement of Finance Minister Jacek Rostowski.

In mid-March, Prime Minister Tusk declared that while Poland will not be taking part in the military intervention to protect civilians in the country, the government in Warsaw will participate in humanitarian programmes.

Aid is particularly needed in Benghazi in the east of Libya - which is currently under rebel control - and assistance is also badly needed in the town of Misrata, the scene of intense fighting between rebels and the authoritarian regime based in Tripoli.

PM Tusk also promised to send experts in various field to the country once the civil war between Gaddafi’s forces and rebel opposition has ended.

Libyan refugees currently staying in camps in Tunisia and Egypt also need assistance. (pg)

source: IAR