Drought in Iraq
Iraq, Economics, 10/22/1999

The representative of the international Food and Agriculture Organization in Iraq, Amir Khalil, has said that the country, which suffers from its worst drought in this century, will face a catastrophe unless the situation is improved next year.

In press statements he made in Baghdad, Khalil added, "If there will be a new wave of drought next year, there will be a real catastrophe and then emergency action should be taken."

Khalil added that the absence of resources and necessary equipment in Iraq obstructs alleviation of the drought crisis, saying that sums allotted to help in this regard in the context of the UN food-for-oil program are hardly enough just to halt the deterioration of the situation but give no fundamental treatment.

Khalil added that Iraq had allotted a sum of US $500 - 600 million annually to be spend on irrigation projects and other projects in the areas of agriculture before the imposition of the current sanctions, noting that this sum has been greatly decreased.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq blames Washington, London for delaying and obstructing contracts for agricultural equipment   (10/7/1999)
  Iraq blames Washington, London for delaying and obstructing contracts for agricultural equipment   (10/7/1999)
  F.A.O. warns of drought in Baghdad   (7/6/1999)

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