New pledge of an additional €3 million for emergency humanitarian assistance for victims of the violence in Iraq

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D. and the Minister of State for Irish Aid, Mr Conor Lenihan T.D. today announced a pledge of additional emergency humanitarian funding of €3 million for the victims of the current violence in Iraq. This is in response to emergency appeals earlier this week and it represents a substantial increase on the €7.9 million already provided for humanitarian relief in Iraq.

In pledging this emergency humanitarian assistance, Minister Ahern expressed his deep concern about the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Iraq.  He stated:

“In the face of the terrible violence in Iraq, our priority must be the welfare of the Iraqi people, of all communities.  Large numbers of families have had to flee the country, or are internally displaced.  We have an obligation to assist them.  Politically, the future of Iraq should be based on the territorial unity of the country, shared democratic institutions and the cooperation of all regional neighbours”.

Minister of State Lenihan pledged that the extra €3 million would be targeted at providing urgently needed humanitarian assistance through UN Agencies, the Red Cross and NGOs. Minister Lenihan said “It is imperative that we get this help through to those most in need and to do so as soon as possible”.

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11 January 2007
Press Office