Core group hears UN/World Bank report

03 October 2003
The 'core group' on Iraq, composed of the UAE, US, EU and Japan in conjunction with the UN, World Bank and IMF, on 2 October discussed the Joint Iraq Needs Assessment, which was initiated soon after major combat ended. The assessment was undertaken by the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and the World Bank Group with assistance from the IMF. The purpose of the assessment is to inform countries at the Madrid Donors meeting on 23-24 October about reconstruction needs in the country, focussing on short and medium-term needs for sustainable development.

According to the report, development priorities in Iraq include; 1) strengthening institutions of sovereign, transparent and good government; 2) restoring critical infrastructure and core human services destroyed and degraded by years of misrule and conflict; and 3) supporting an economic and social transition that provides both growth and social protection.

Figures quoted in the international media on 2 October suggested that the US will be pressing for about $35,000 million from countries at the donor meeting. This will be in addition to the $20,300 million the US has pledged for reconstruction effort in the country.

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