United Nations: As a possible war looms large on Iraq, United Nations is preparing
contingency plans for providing food for the Iraqi people, as estimates show around
$ 90 million more is needed to deal with a humanitarian crisis, and $ 100 billion
for post-war reconstruction.
The United Nations will ask donors for at least an extra $ 83 million to prepare for
a humanitarian crisis in Iraq in the event of war, the UN emergency relief co-
ordinator Kenzo Oshima said on February 13.
Donor countries had already pledged $ 37 million to meet the UN's contingency
planning, but the funding requirements have been revised, he said, adding that at
least $ 120 million was needed for preparedness, not actual
requirements.
"Should conflict occur we would go to the donor community with a fresh appeal," he
said.
Secretary General Kofi Annan briefed members of the Security Council on February 13
on the state of preparations by the organisation and its agencies for
conflict.
Annan "continues to believe that inspections can work" but said, "We must recognise
that conflict might occur and cause terrible suffering to the Iraqi
people."
The US, as occupying power, would take the responsibility of feeding thousands of
Iraqis, but would hand over secured and "liberated" areas to international aid
agencies to continue the humanitarian tasks, UN and US officials say.
The international aid workers would be pulled out of Iraq ahead of the attack and
the US Army would have major responsibility in distributing food in the initial
stages.
PTI
