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CNN Live At Daybreak

Doctors Without Borders Returns To A Calm Herat

Aired November 16, 2001 - 05:19   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to go now to Herat and speak with an aid worker and find out exactly what the situation is in Herat. As a few moments ago, Leon spoke with a Doctors Without Borders representative, we're now speaking with Siobhan Isles. She is with the Doctors Without Borders in Herat and can give us an eye account there on what the situation is.

Siobhan, what can you tell us?

SIOBHAN ISLES, DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS: I came about this very afternoon from the Turkmenistan border and entering into Herat the situation seems very calm, very calm and really it was daily life as normal. People seem to be going about their daily business. The whops were open. There were women and children walking around the streets. Really the only unusual thing is that there are quite a number of un-uniformed but armed men around Herat city. But the situation seems to be very calm here.

CALLAWAY: And Siobhan, I understand you are able now to get supplies into Herat?

ISLES: That is correct. In fact, even while there was no international staff persons in Herat we still managed to send supplies through for our feeding programs and the hospital in Herat city. And we were in a very fortunate position in being able to do that and also very fortunate that our national staff has managed to continue the programs that we were running beforehand and have done so to a very acceptable level. We're very pleased with our position here.

CALLAWAY: How...

ISLES: And...

CALLAWAY: Siobhan, how, if any, has the situation changed since you left, the number of injured and that situation?

ISLES: There are certainly more injuries in the hospital. We did visit the hospital this morning. We are supporting the pediatric ward and a feeding center and we are aware that there are quite some injured people in the hospital and at this stage the hospital authorities seem to be coping well with the injured that they do have. But of course tomorrow we will continue to assist the situation and support them where necessary.

We have supported with surgical supplies in the past and we will look forward to doing that in the future, as well.

CALLAWAY: Siobhan, can you quickly tell us is there a lot of confusion on exactly who is in control?

ISLES: The situation is not entirely clear. There is certainly, over the last few days there have been relatively few security incidences in Herat city. It seems that the transition has been very smooth and relatively peaceful. We are aware, of course, that some people have been killed and many more injured. But the transition does seem to have been smooth.

CALLAWAY: All right, Siobhan Isles is with Doctors Without Borders inside Herat. Thank you for joining us and giving us that insight. There you have it.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Some very brave and dedicated people there.

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