MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, will lead
Australia's delegation to the International Donor Conference on the
Reconstruction of Iraq in Madrid from 23-24 October 2003.
Mrs Gallus said the Conference is critical in mobilising international
support for further Iraqi reconstruction.
'Australia is working closely with the Iraqi people, the Coalition, UN
agencies and international humanitarian organisations to help rebuild Iraq after
25 years of neglect under Saddam's brutal regime,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The Conference will seek additional funding from the international community
for priority reconstruction and rehabilitation needs and to build on solid
progress already being made.'
'Australia is the fifth largest bilateral donor to Iraq and I will announce
at the conference details of a further Australian contribution,' Mrs Gallus
said.
'Our current commitment, of more than $100 million, includes $55 million for
immediate humanitarian needs and $45 million for reconstruction activities.'
'Australia continues to help the Iraqi people, particularly in the areas of
agriculture, economic policy and donor coordination, food security, and water
and sanitation.'
'The conference is being held in conjunction with a private sector conference
on Iraq's reconstruction,' Mrs Gallus said.
'A team of key Australian business people from the oil, agricultural and
finance sectors will participate in the conference.'
'Australian companies are well positioned to help Iraq with capabilities,
competitiveness and expertise that are well-recognised in the Middle East
region,' Mrs Gallus said.
For further information on Australian humanitarian and reconstruction aid to
Iraq see www.ausaid.gov.au
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mrs Gallus' office) 02 6277 4840 / 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489