ROME, OCT 16 - Italian Cooperation has allocated 300,000 euros to contribute to efforts undertaken by the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent to counter the tragic humanitarian emergency in the besieged Syrian town of Kobane and assist Kurdish refugees on the Turkish-Syrian border, Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini said Thursday. "The situation in Kobane is dramatic and we are compelled to help refugees" stressed Mogherini. "Italy, along with with the international community, is committed to the fight against Isis and engaged in relief-efforts to assist thousands of people living a dramatic ordeal. It's a political and humanitarian obligation I believe we should all share" she added. The Syrian Red Crescent is undertaking the distribution of water, food, medecines and basic goods to the conflict-stricken population. The organisation is also entrusted with the transfer of the wounded from the conflict-stricken town of Kobane and the surrounding area to the Turkish border.

The Turkish Red Crescent provides medical care and first-aid to refugees crossing the border. The new Italian contribution follows previous relief-efforts by Italian Cooperation in reponse to the Syrian crisis: 38 million euros were raised in 2014.

(ANSAmed)