This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Humanitarian aid for Iraq
26/03/2003
Scots were today urged to help relieve the suffering of
the Iraqi people, by responding positively to official
humanitarian agencies in Scotland when they launch their
appeals.
First Minister Jack Mcconnell was speaking after meeting
the agencies to explore practical steps which the devolved
Scottish government can take to support their efforts, such
as the secondment of staff.
Mr McConnell also pledged his strong personal support
and the Executive's support for the forthcoming
appeals.
He said:
"Scotland has a tradition of reaching out to people
across the world in their time of need. When the call goes
out, I am confident Scots from all our diverse communities
will once again extend the hand of friendship and help
Iraqis recover from Saddam Hussein's brutal regime.
"The UK Government has made clear that our quarrel is
not with the Iraqi people. Humanitarian aid is on the way
and, once it is safe to do so, it will be landed in Iraq.
It is crucial that the UN lead this effort.
"Humanitarian agencies in Scotland are co-operating in
an unprecedented way in gearing up to provide immediate
assistance on the ground. They are the experts and they
have our strong support. Where they think the devolved
Scottish government can assist in their preparations, I
also pledge our practical help.
"After the war, we must 'win the peace' and we in
Scotland will play our part in helping rebuild life in
Iraq."
The UK Government's policy objectives on Iraq published
on 7 January include as an immediate priority to "continue
to support humanitarian efforts to relieve the suffering of
the Iraqi people."
The UK Government's 'Vision for Iraq and the Iraq
People' was unveiled at the Azores summit. It highlights
the UK's commitment to the restoration of an Iraq free from
UN sanctions and the tyranny of Saddam Hussein.
The Department for International Development (DFID) has
committed 50 million pounds to support preparations by
humanitarian agencies, including 32 million pounds for the
Red Cross / Red Crescent and 8 million pounds for the World
Food Programme. DFID has a further 40 million pounds set
aside for the immediate humanitarian response and is
considering further assistance in line with emerging needs.
A substantial number of Non Governmental Organisation
proposals are being urgently assessed. DFID also provides
19% of European Community (EC) funding for Iraq. On 21
March the College of European Commissioners proposed to
release an additional 79 million euros from their Emergency
Aid Reserve, increasing their total commitment to 100
million euros. This funding is still to be approved by the
European Council.