More than 145000 East Temorese starving, UN report says

More than 145000 East Temorese starving, UN report says

Finn Reske-Nielsen, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in East Timor, said a hunger crisis will hit districts outside the capital, Dili, if the international community does not provide urgent support.

The World Food Program, which has been feeding those who fled since violence erupted in the former Portuguese colony in March, was reducing rations because of a donor shortfall.

The situation is worsened in some districts by the collapse of the economy, he said. Some markets were open, but people don't have any money, Reske-Nielsen said.

Adding to the trouble is a political crisis that has prevented the government from adopting its annual budget and effectively blocking resources for food distribution projects, the AP reports.