In this context I welcome the report of the United Nations-World Bank Joint Iraq Needs Assessment. This report was presented to the donor conference on the reconstruction of Iraq, which took place in Madrid on 23-24 October 2003. I express my deep appreciation to all members of the assessment mission for their dedication and commitment to producing this valuable document, despite the enormous difficulties and challenges faced by all during the mission. The mission itself was interrupted by the tragic events of 19 August.