IRAQ CRISIS: Weekly round-up Number 82 for 2-8 October

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

Key Humanitarian Developments

The UN Security Council welcomed, this week, proposals by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on security arrangements for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), including close protection troops for senior UN staff.

He urged Members States to contribute to the units, a UN statement said.

Security for UN personnel and buildings has been the overriding issue in the return of UN international staff since two bomb attacks at its Baghdad headquarters in 2003.

On 19 August 2003, 22 people were killed, including the UN's Special Representative to Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello, and scores were wounded. A month later security guard was killed and 19 others were injured following a blast near the premises.

The Secretary-General called for a security structure which would consist of four elements, namely: international security staff; protection coordination officers; personal security details; and guard units.

There would be a need for three formed guard units, each consisting of up to 160 armed civilian police, paramilitary or military personnel, to be provided as contingents from Member States.

Those units would form part of UNAMI and would be responsible for controlling access to and conducting patrols within UNAMI premises.

While there were reports that one country would provide assistance, there was nothing to confirm pending a final agreement, a UN spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved an emergency loan of $436 million to Iraq, hoping it would act as a catalyst for more international economic aid, including debt relief, the international media reported.

The US wants 90 percent of Iraq's $120 billion overseas debt wiped off, but Russia and France have insisted on a 50 percent limit, saying it is sufficient for an oil rich country. The Paris Club of creditor nations are due to discuss debt relief for Iraq.

Despite the disagreement, the IMF said all Iraq's main overseas creditors had agreed to defer Iraq's debt repayments until the end of 2005. This is the first time the IMF has given Iraq a loan of any sort, and comes under its emergency assistance programme.

Under this scheme, loans are designed to be disbursed quickly, supported by policy advice, and, in many case, provided alongside technical assistance.

"The fund is making these resources available to Iraq at a difficult time in terms of security, but also a critical time as Iraq strives to rebuild its economy and prepare for elections early next year," IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato said.

Insecurity has hindered the reconstruction process in Iraq with ongoing kidnappings of foreigners forcing many international aid agencies to leave the country. In addition, the sabotage of oil pipelines has impacted on the economy.

CONTENTS:

IRAQ: Little progress on child mortality - UNICEF
IRAQ: Refurbishment of schools in the south continues
IRAQ: ICRC delivers aid in Samarrah
IRAQ: Focus on back to school efforts despite insecurity
IRAQ: Syrian refugees face difficulties in troubled capital
IRAQ: Kurds continue to flee cities of Sunni triangle
IRAQ: Interview with Minister for Health in Sulaymaniyah
IRAQ: Election preparations continue despite violence
IRAQ: Water quality control project implemented
IRAQ: Interview with Minister for Labour and Social Affairs
IRAQ: Samarrah hospital urgently needs medical supplies

[ENDS]