Answer given by Ms Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the Commission

8.3.2007

The Development Fund for Iraq (DFI), which was established pursuant to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483, determined that disbursements from the DFI must be used for the benefit of the Iraqi people, and were directed by the Coalition Provisional Authority, in consultation with the Iraqi interim administration.

The International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB), which was established also by the same UN resolution, is an audit oversight body for the DFI, to monitor expenditures and ensure that the DFI is used in a transparent manner for the benefit of the people of Iraq. The mandate of the IAMB was initially extended until 31 December 2006 under UNSCR 1637 and further extended until 31 December 2007 under UNSCR 1723. This resolution recognised the significant role of the IAMB in helping the Government of Iraq to ensure that Iraq’s resources are being used transparently and equitably for the benefit of the people of Iraq.

For information, the Honourable Member can further consult the IAMB website, http://www.iamb.info/, where all the reports are published.

Projects financed through the Directorate-General for Development and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) under the EUR 100 million of humanitarian aid in 2003 were carried out by approved non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN agencies and the Red Cross. Since these came to an end in mid‑2005, no further humanitarian interventions in Iraq have taken place, due mainly to the problems of security and lack of access to potential beneficiaries. The Commission announced on 15 February a resumption of humanitarian aid for Iraq and Iraqi refugees on a limited basis, amounting to some EUR 10 million.

With regard to the revenues from Iraq's oil exports, the Commission wishes to refer to the Iraqi Constitution adopted on 15 October 2005 and on the current Iraqi debates regarding the distribution and management of oil resources. Further decisions on oil distribution and management belong to the Iraqi Government.

OJ C 293, 05/12/2007