EU to help poor countries

The European Union (EU) said it is studying further measures to help poor countries deal with rising food prices.



EU spokesman, John Clancy said the European Commission has set aside US$253 million to help boost food supplies and stocks in the world’s poorest countries.



He said the commission was examining the current situation, following fresh appeals by World Bank Chief Robert Zoellick.



Mr. Clancy urged top donors to provide urgent aid to prevent a full-scale food crisis in the developing world.



In the United States, President Bush directed US officials to review what can be done to help provide food aid to countries where rising prices have caused hunger and violence.