Iraq (Hansard, 25 March 2003)

§ Mr. Lyons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many countries will be involved in the reconstruction of Iraq. [104737]

§ Clare Short
It is too soon to say how many countries might be involved. UN mandate will be required to provide legal authority for the reconstruction effort, and to make possible the engagement of the International Financial Institutions and the wider international community. The Government is working to ensure such a mandate is put in place.

§ Mr. Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her European counterparts regarding plans for humanitarian aid in Iraq following any military action. [104242]

§ Clare Short
My Department is in frequent contact with European Commission counterparts on these issues.
136W
On 21 March the College of European Commissioners proposed to release an additional 79 million euros from the Emergency Aid Reserve, increasing their total commitment to 100 million euros. This funding is still to be approved by the Council.