Iraq: International Community Causes Dire Humanitarian Situation

The United Nations Iraq Programme has stressed that the needs of the Iraqi people must not be overlooked while the world concentrates on the issue of weapons of mass destruction.

Benon Sevan, the Executive Director of the UNIP, stated at a press conference on Tuesday that “all concerned should focus on the humanitarian dimension and spare no effort in meeting the dire humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people”.

The UNIP is due to be extended for a further six months after it expires on November 25th, during which time it is hoped that the UNO can find the three billion USD it needs to carry out planned projects in Iraq, but which funding shortages have sidelined in the short term.

Benon Sevan also critisiced the delivery to Iraq of medicines with a short shelf life and high protein biscuits and milk that failed quality control tests.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru