By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
France announced the air shipment Monday of a first load of humanitarian aid to Georgia and said the plane can bring home French nationals and other Europeans trapped in the Georgian capital due to the conflict with Russia.
The French Foreign Ministry said the decision to ship 33 short tons of supplies, including tents, grew out of concern for the growing number of victims and displaced persons and the "considerable damage" caused by the conflict.
France said the 250-seat Airbus A-340 being used to ferry in humanitarian aid can bring home French and other European citizens wishing to leave.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, in Georgia on a peace mission on behalf of the European Union, said Monday that he met with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili in an effort to mediate the conflict and found him "determined to make peace."
The peace plan is "rather simple," Kouchner said. It includes an immediate and unconditional cease-fire and access for victims to aid, he said.