Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 April 2003

Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements.

 

There is an immediate need for relief. I, like many Members, find it difficult to imagine the armalite and the bread-basket coming in together, but it may be the only way. I would rather see people getting water from soldiers than getting no water. It is important for the relief programme to be managed by the NGOs and they may well need the logistical support of armies in order to do so, owing to the need to shift vast quantities of food. Then there is the question of developing the capacity of the Iraqi people to set up administrations for themselves. There is a need to build up the infrastructure and, on the longer scale, to help restore democratic institutions.

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