Iraq, Abandoned Mines and Looting, Response from the Committee

WRITTEN QUESTION

Submission: to the Council and the Commission

19 May 2003

Subject: Iraq – Abandoned mines and looting – Danger to the civilian population

E-1833/03GR
Answer by Mr. Patten
on behalf of the Commission
(16 July 2003)

The Commission shares the concerns of the Honorable Member regarding the security situation in Iraq, as well as the continuing looting and attacks carried out by criminal elements or remaining supporters of the Baath Party. The current situation poses serious risks to the success of efforts to stabilize the country and hinders the distribution of essential aid to the population by humanitarian organizations.

The Commission hopes that the forces comprising the coalition in power in Iraq will take the necessary actions to ensure security and protect the population from any kind of threat. Thus, the conclusions of the European Council in Thessaloniki emphasize the need for security for the civilian population as a prerequisite for the sustainable reconstruction of the country.

The Commission is also aware of the problem caused by the daily casualties from unexploded munitions left on the battlefields. In this area, the Commission recently adopted a decision to provide financial assistance of 10 million euros to fund mine clearance operations to be carried out by international non-governmental organizations and coordinated by UNMAS. This funding decision will contribute to the gathering and dissemination of information on potential high-density areas of unexploded mines and bombs, will develop the capabilities of the local population through formal training programs, and will increase awareness through Mine Risk Education.