§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact he estimates the security situation in Iraq will have on promotion of(a) democracy and (b) reconstruction of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [136559]
§ Hilary BennToday there are over 40,000 police on duty in Iraq, the first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active duty, a major police recruitment and training exercise is under way, and a new police academy has opened in Basra. Over 30 countries (in addition to the UK and US) have a total of 16,000 troops on the ground in Iraq, as part of the international stabilisation effort.
Although the security situation has restricted the activities of the international staff of aid agencies, politicians, coalition officials and Iraqi citizens are able to go about their business. Progress is being made in promoting democracy and undertaking reconstruction. Political parties are forming, the Iraqi media is now free and many newspapers are appearing, and civil society organisations are emerging. Ministries are functioning and plans are being formed to modernise the civil service. In addition, Iraqi business is beginning to grow, infrastructure is being restored and service delivery is improving. Donors have also been undertaking needs assessments and are making arrangements for funding following the successful Madrid Conference.