Canadian Support for Iraqi Electoral Process

News Release

(2004-36) News Release August 26, 2004 Ottawa -- The Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that in response to the United Nations appeal for support for Iraqi elections, Canada is allocating a further $20 million to the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Iraq Trust Fund. The funds are part of Canada's $100 million pledge to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI), made in October 2003, and will be provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). "Canada is pleased with the UN's leadership in helping Iraq during these important elections, as we believe there is enormous value to a real role for the UN in rebuilding Iraq," said Minister Carroll. "Canada will continue to encourage other donors to support and enhance the electoral process through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq." Iraq's January 2005 election costs include infrastructure and equipment for the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, voter registration, and registration and voting abroad. Canada has a long-standing tradition of providing support in post-conflict situations and its objective is to support the development of a stable, self-governing and prosperous Iraq, with a democratic government which represents the people and respects human rights, including women's rights and the rule of law. "Strengthening the democratic process is an area where Canada is making a significant contribution," added Minister Carroll. "We are building on a long tradition of Canadian co-operation with UN agencies to support the organization of elections in countries recovering from violent conflicts." In addition to today's announcement, CIDA has disbursed $30 million to the World Bank and $30 million to the UNDG since March 2004. For further details on Canada's contributions to Iraq, please consult the CIDA Web site: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/iraq. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the 2004 Federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. - 30 - Information: Andrew Graham Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Cooperation Telephone: (819) 953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: (819) 953-6534 E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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Canadian Support for Iraqi Electoral Process

News Release

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