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10/04/2003
Iraqi humanitarian relief is priority says Short
As the military phase of operations in Iraq comes to an end the priority will be to provide order and humanitarian relief and to establish an interim authority, International Development Secretary Clare Short said today.
In her Commons update on the humanitarian situation and post-conflict plans, the International Development Secretary said it was "critical" to get the Oil for Food working again as quickly as possible.
Major reform and reconstruction requires a legitimate government authority, said Ms Short, and the United Nations has a "vital role to play in helping the Iraqi people to establish a broad-based and fully representative interim authority".
On the wider implications for the Middle East, Ms Short said: "The atmosphere in the wider region is currently tense and angry and the conflict has caused economic decline in neighbouring countries. Economic development in Iraq will benefit its people and the wider region but we must also remember that there is also a severe humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and that progress in the Middle East requires full implementation of the road map to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel by 2005."
The resources to provide humanitarian aid is growing and on March 28 Britain committed £65 million to a UN appeal and, along with the US, EU, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the total pot is now over $1.2 billion. The appeal called was for $2.2 billion for six months and the UN is hopeful that this will be partly funded by the Oil for Food Programme.
The total DFID commitment to support humanitarian work in Iraq is now £115 million made up of £32 million to the Red Cross, £78 million to the UN and £5 million to NGOs. Another £95 million available for further contributions in response to evolving needs. In the meantime, the Treasury has already earmarked £30 million to fund humanitarian efforts.
(GMcG)
In her Commons update on the humanitarian situation and post-conflict plans, the International Development Secretary said it was "critical" to get the Oil for Food working again as quickly as possible.
Major reform and reconstruction requires a legitimate government authority, said Ms Short, and the United Nations has a "vital role to play in helping the Iraqi people to establish a broad-based and fully representative interim authority".
On the wider implications for the Middle East, Ms Short said: "The atmosphere in the wider region is currently tense and angry and the conflict has caused economic decline in neighbouring countries. Economic development in Iraq will benefit its people and the wider region but we must also remember that there is also a severe humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and that progress in the Middle East requires full implementation of the road map to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel by 2005."
The resources to provide humanitarian aid is growing and on March 28 Britain committed £65 million to a UN appeal and, along with the US, EU, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the total pot is now over $1.2 billion. The appeal called was for $2.2 billion for six months and the UN is hopeful that this will be partly funded by the Oil for Food Programme.
The total DFID commitment to support humanitarian work in Iraq is now £115 million made up of £32 million to the Red Cross, £78 million to the UN and £5 million to NGOs. Another £95 million available for further contributions in response to evolving needs. In the meantime, the Treasury has already earmarked £30 million to fund humanitarian efforts.
(GMcG)
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17 April 2003
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Virgin Atlantic says that it will begin flying humanitarian aid into Iraq in an effort to increase the flow of aid into the country. The first few flights will be carrying doctors, nurses, aid and supplies to the Iraqi population. After that Virgin says that it will begin routine flights to Baghdad to help boost the reconstruction effort.
Airline to help boost Iraq aid effort
Virgin Atlantic says that it will begin flying humanitarian aid into Iraq in an effort to increase the flow of aid into the country. The first few flights will be carrying doctors, nurses, aid and supplies to the Iraqi population. After that Virgin says that it will begin routine flights to Baghdad to help boost the reconstruction effort.
22 October 2004
Al Jazeera broadcasts footage of distressed hostage
The Arabic-language news service Al Jazeera has broadcast footage of the aid agency director, who was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this week, pleading for her life and begging Britain to withdraw its troops from the country.
Al Jazeera broadcasts footage of distressed hostage
The Arabic-language news service Al Jazeera has broadcast footage of the aid agency director, who was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this week, pleading for her life and begging Britain to withdraw its troops from the country.
20 October 2004
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
11 May 2004
Hoon promises to act against 'abuse' soldiers
The government will "not hesitate to act" where British troops are found to have failed to uphold the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, the Defence secretary has said.
Hoon promises to act against 'abuse' soldiers
The government will "not hesitate to act" where British troops are found to have failed to uphold the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, the Defence secretary has said.
23 May 2003
Relaxing BSE regulations gives hope to UK farmers
Restrictions governing British beef exports – enforced since the BSE outbreak three years ago – could be relaxed after the world animal health body, the Office Internationale des Epizooties (OIE), agreed to increase international thresholds for BSE risk categorisation.
Relaxing BSE regulations gives hope to UK farmers
Restrictions governing British beef exports – enforced since the BSE outbreak three years ago – could be relaxed after the world animal health body, the Office Internationale des Epizooties (OIE), agreed to increase international thresholds for BSE risk categorisation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
