The InternationalCommittee of the RedCross says it will need nearly $ 650 million to help victims of armed conflict and violence next year. The Geneva-based ICRC、runs humanitarian operations in some 80 countries. {{U}}1. The InternationalCommittee of the RedCross has operations in just about every trouble spot in the world, includingAfghanistan and the Palestinian territories.{{/U}} {{U}}2. However, it says it will have to expand its operations even more next year because of the deteriorating situations in those countries.{{/U}} The director of ICRC、Operations, Pierre Krahenbuhl, says his agency has been running regional operations for WestAfrica out of IvoryCoast for years and, there fore, is in a good position to expand its programs there. Mr. Krahenbuhl says the RedCross has been carrying out assistance and medical projects, as well as visiting prisoners held by the government and the rebels. {{U}}3. The RedCross saysAfghanistan remains its largest and costliest operation. However, is adds that it has cut more than $ 40 million off year’s budget due to the improved situation in that country.Cuts also have been made in programs for Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone and Yugoslavi