The European Union (eu), through its European Community Humanitarian Office (echo), wishes to establish itself as one of the principle providers of humanitarian assistance to politically troubled nations.

The newest nation to avail of the eu's largesse is Haiti, which is limping back to democracy after a 3-year tryst with military rule. The rehabilitation of Haiti -- which will involve rebuilding basic infrastructure and frontline health facilities -- is estimated to cost us $1 billion, of which US $400 million will be contributed by echo.

Set up in 1992, echo has played a leading role in 3 major hotspots: Yugoslavia, Burundi and the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia). echo's assistance is channelled mostly through ngos, international bodies and un agencies.(ips)