A post-Cold War record number of conflicts and wars in 1999 and a large number of humanitarian crises has prompted the two global Red Cross organizations to ask the world's governments and donors for a combined $728 million to help in 2000, the Associated Press reports.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) -- forced to deal with the consequences of an estimated 20 wars and 40 conflicts in the past year -- is asking for a record $530 million for 2000. Over half is earmarked for Africa, where the ICRC is working in 10 conflicts, AP reports.

"All indications are that this level of violence will persist in 2000, and that the situation may change ever more abruptly and unpredictably," Jean-Daniel Tauxe, the ICRC's director of operations, told the AP.

The ICRC asked for $480 million to cover 1999, but increased its budget several times to deal with new trouble spots, AP reports.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a separate association of national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, is appealing for $198 million for humanitarian relief efforts, AP reports.

The money -- which would be added to an appeal by the federation made earlier this year -- would go to relief efforts for disaster and conflict stricken areas such as Yugoslavia, Africa, North Korea and the Caucasus.

Full text of the ICRC article is currently found at:
http://www.canoe.com/TopStories/redcross_dec16.html.

Full text of the Federation article is currently found at:
http://news.excite.com/news/ap/991214/12/int-aid
-appeals.