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Iraq

Volume 402: debated on Thursday 3 April 2003

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To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contingency plans she has to provide reconstruction assistance to Iraq in the event of no further resolution being made by the United Nations relating to reconstruction in Iraq. [106189]

A UN mandate for reconstruction is a legal requirement for UK involvement in significant reform of Iraqi institutions, and a precondition for the engagement of the World bank, the International Monetary Fund and many countries.Without a UN mandate the UK's assistance would have to be limited to providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring the continuity of the civil administration, according to our obligations under the Geneva and Hague conventions governing armed conflict.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to reestablish a logistical distribution team, funded by her Department, to handle the distribution of humanitarian aid in Iraq. [106962]

DFID's policy is to work through partner agencies such as the UN, International Committee of the Red Cross and NGOs who have relevant expertise and local experience in the distribution of humanitarian assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Basra, Iraq. [106958]

Our daily published reports on the humanitarian situation in Iraq have reported regularly on the situation in Basra and the problems with water supplies.The World Health Organisation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others are very concerned about the possible health impact of ongoing water supply problems in Basra. We share these concerns. The ICRC are working to try to maintain and improve supplies.