War In The Balkans: Readers give pounds 625,000

READERS SHOULD continue to send in contributions to The Independent's appeal to help the refugees of Kosovo after aid agencies warned about the still-worsening conditions. The total raised by The Independent's appeal is now more than pounds 625,000 but more is needed. "Donations are still coming in but at a slower rate now than before," warns a spokesman for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The committee is co-ordinating a series of appeals for the refugees of Kosovo, including that of The Independent.

The most serious difficulties being faced at the moment are the conditions for local communities in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro who are hosting Kosovar refugees. Appeal money is being used to pay for 120,000 baby kits for refugees living with families in Albania. Donations from readers are also being used to buy food, blankets, hygiene kits, cooking equipment, sanitation and essential water purification equipment. Medical equipment and antibiotics are being supplied in the south and north-west of Albania.