Contribution for the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq

March 5, 2004

The Government of Japan formally decided on March 5 (Fri) to contribute a total of $450 million to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq from the FY2003 supplementary budget (Emergency Grant Aid). The breakdown will be $360 million for the fund administered by the United Nations and $90 million for the fund administered by the World Bank.
The International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, whose establishment was decided at the Madrid Meeting in October last year, is operated and administered by the U.N. and the World Bank which implemented the needs assessment for the reconstruction of Iraq, and plays a major role in the reconstruction. Japan regards this contribution as an appropriate amount in view of facilitating international cooperation, and the contribution is expected to advance the reconstruction of Iraq at the earliest date possible and promote prompt support for Iraq from the international community.
The Donors' Committee of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq held on February 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, elected Japan as chair country. Iraq, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) expressed their appreciation for Japan's contribution.

(END)