Question : REBUILDING OF IRAQ

(a) whether the Union government has recognised the Iraqi Governing Council as the legitimate executive body of Iraq;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether India has pledged a substantial amount for the rebuilding of Iraq at the International Donor Conference;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which this amount is to be disbursed to Iraq;

(e) whether Iraq has sought foreign direct investment for its projects; and

(f) if so, the decision taken by the Union Government in the said matter?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI VINOD KHANNA)

(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement as mentioned in Parts (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 139 to be answered on 10-12-2003

India is vitally interested in the peace and prosperity of the Gulf region and has, therefore, been monitoring the developments in Iraq very closely. The unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1511 determines that the Governing Council and its Ministers are the principal bodies of the Iraqi Interim Administration until an internationally recognized representative government is established in Iraq. India has taken positive note of various elements of the Resolution.

2. In response to the UN Secretary General’s Flash Appeal, early this year, India had committed US$20 million for humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people. At the Donors Conference held in Madrid on October 23-24, 2003, India has committed an additional amount of US$10 million through Trust Funds being coordinated by the UNDP and IMF respectively for reconstruction needs of Iraq. A number of proposals including medical assistance, provision of computers, assistance in the Constitution development process and training of Iraqi personnel including those from Foreign Ministry are being processed.

3. A set of rules and regulations to attract foreign direct investment in Iraq has been announced. Indian business community particularly CII & FICCI are aware of it. During August this year, a 30-member business delegation from FICCI undertook a successful visit to Iraq. FICCI also organized a Conference “Focus Iraq” on October 7, 2003. The Union Government continues to facilitate the Indian business community in their efforts.