Situation worsens in Iraq

NEW YORK -- A report by a special United Nations mission to Iraq released on July 15 says the country's internal economic situation and living conditions have worsened “substantially”.

The group, led by the UN secretary general's special envoy, Prince Saddrudin Aga Khan, recommends an easing of the trade embargo imposed on Iraq following last August's invasion of Kuwait.

The report says Iraq's population is receiving only one quarter of its potable water requirements and that public health is threatened by growing environmental problems, lack of medical care and inadequate nutrition.

Food supplies are “rapidly deteriorating” throughout the country “and this year's harvest is estimated to be a third of 1990's”.

According to the Aga Khan's report, US$6.8 billion will be needed this year to repair the country's water services and drainage systems, and to import medicines and food, including special milk rations for babies.

The report recommends measures to enable Iraq to import basic essentials, “under a system of supervision”. -- Inter Press Service/Pegasus

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