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CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE A FURTHER $200 MILLION
FOR IRAQ'S RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION
May 14, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Canada will contribute a
further $200 million to meet humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Iraq,
bringing Canada's total commitment to more than $300 million. The Prime Minister
also announced that Canada plans to re-open an embassy in Iraq.
"A stable, self-governing, and prosperous Iraq, with a government that
represents the Iraqi people and is respectful of human rights, is in everyone's
interest," said the Prime Minister. "The Government of Canada's
contribution will help ensure that the needs of the Iraqi people are met and
draw on Canada's significant expertise and experience in helping societies
recover from conflict."
The new funding will help Iraqi authorities improve basic services, including
access to clean water, proper sanitation and good primary health care. It will
support Iraqi efforts to build strong democratic institutions, reform judicial,
police and correctional services, strengthen civil society and promote human
rights. Canada will also work with neighbouring countries to address the
political, economic and social challenges and opportunities created by the new
situation.
Canada will continue to work closely with key partners, including the United
Nations, international financial institutions, the United States, the G8 and
countries in the region as well as non-governmental organizations in determining
specific needs and contributions. Today's announcement builds on Canada's
earlier commitment of $100 million in March, which focussed on meeting the
immediate basic humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people and the protection and
safety of civilians and aid workers.
The Government of Canada is also planning to re-establish a diplomatic
presence in Iraq by re-opening an embassy in Baghdad once the security situation
permits. The Canadian Embassy in Baghdad was closed in 1991 before the start of
the Gulf War. A diplomatic presence in Baghdad will help Canada manage its
contribution to reconstruction efforts, liaise with key partners, and support
other Canadian interests, including the business community.
Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 Budget
and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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