REBUILDING OF IRAQ (Government's contribution)

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what is the Government's contribution to international humanitarian and other efforts at rebuilding Iraq.

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore supports the United Nations' humanitarian relief effort along with the work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross. On 23rd March 2003, the Singapore Red Cross Society launched a national appeal for humanitarian aid to Iraq. The Singapore Government made a contribution of S$442,000 to kick-start this national humanitarian effort. I understand that, so far, the national appeal has raised more than S$770,000. More than S$200,000 has already been pledged to the International Committee of the Red Cross to purchase basic necessities such as food parcels and wheat flour.

The Singapore Government will also be contributing a medical team of 13 personnel for a three-monthly rotation, as well as material contributions such as tents, blankets and cots. The expenses of such additional contributions total S$3 million.

We believe that the people of Iraq deserve the full support of the UN and international community as they rebuild their lives and their country. Singapore will do what it can in the international effort to help Iraq rebuild and return to normal. This will pave the way for its eventual reintegration into the global community.