arh777
07-08-2005, 09:47 AM
In a debate on Saddam's odious debts and reparations in the British Parliament, Harry Cohen MP made a powerful argument for economic justice for Iraq. His full speach is on Hansard, here are a few extracts:
"Set against this priority to pay off Saddam’s debts is Iraq’s social crisis of enormous extent – the doubling of child malnutrition, a deterioration of health and education provision and, indeed, of the country’s vital infrastructure. This debt hampers (too kind a word) any Iraqi administration’s ability to tackle these problems. I would add that they add fuel to the poor security situation and leave a burning resentment amongst Iraqis ill-treated and robbed of their resources."
"The IMF is imposing conditions that are draconian and bullying, and neglectful of the social consequences from them. These conditions include privatisation and foreign ownership, the end of food rations and fuel subsidies and restricting salaries and pensions. What a time to do this when unemployment is so high, malnutrition rising, fuel shortages considerable and very many Iraqi families increasingly vulnerable. But the policy is even worse. It takes away control over the economic situation from any democratically-elected Iraqi leadership. The Financial Times wrote “Now from the very first day that the new Iraqi parliament sits it will find virtually every important economic decision predetermined by the coterie of rich countries that runs the IMF.”
"The debt and reparations still to be paid after The Paris Club decision are not acceptable for the Iraqi people plunging to poverty and hardship; they’re not acceptable for Iraqi democracy and freedom; and they’re not acceptable by not giving a post-Saddam admThe European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, speaking during a European Parliament debate on Iraq today, urged the international community to do more to reduce Iraq's debt.
Arab league wants Iraq to pay 30% of Saddam's dues
The Arab League has just signed an agreement with Iraq on over a decade of dues unpaid by Saddam. The arrangement was first approved by Arab foreign ministers at a meeting in March 2004, when they requested the Arab League handle Iraqi arrears to Pan-Arab organizations. 70% of the arrears will be cancelled, with the remaining 30% being paid off in equal installments for a period of 10 years beginning in 2007. Iraq annual dues are currently $3.5m out of the League's total budget of $35m, and it has offered to pay 50% this year.
inistration a clean slate and a clean start. The Minister, the G8 leaders, Paris Club members and all Creditor nations need to think again about the Paris Club formula. It’s simply not good enough by a long way. There needs to be a 100% write off of all of Saddam’s debt, no more Reparations, no more damaging conditionality, and proper funding for reconstruction that involves, benefits and employs Iraqis. Think again."
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2005_07.html#000860
"Set against this priority to pay off Saddam’s debts is Iraq’s social crisis of enormous extent – the doubling of child malnutrition, a deterioration of health and education provision and, indeed, of the country’s vital infrastructure. This debt hampers (too kind a word) any Iraqi administration’s ability to tackle these problems. I would add that they add fuel to the poor security situation and leave a burning resentment amongst Iraqis ill-treated and robbed of their resources."
"The IMF is imposing conditions that are draconian and bullying, and neglectful of the social consequences from them. These conditions include privatisation and foreign ownership, the end of food rations and fuel subsidies and restricting salaries and pensions. What a time to do this when unemployment is so high, malnutrition rising, fuel shortages considerable and very many Iraqi families increasingly vulnerable. But the policy is even worse. It takes away control over the economic situation from any democratically-elected Iraqi leadership. The Financial Times wrote “Now from the very first day that the new Iraqi parliament sits it will find virtually every important economic decision predetermined by the coterie of rich countries that runs the IMF.”
"The debt and reparations still to be paid after The Paris Club decision are not acceptable for the Iraqi people plunging to poverty and hardship; they’re not acceptable for Iraqi democracy and freedom; and they’re not acceptable by not giving a post-Saddam admThe European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, speaking during a European Parliament debate on Iraq today, urged the international community to do more to reduce Iraq's debt.
Arab league wants Iraq to pay 30% of Saddam's dues
The Arab League has just signed an agreement with Iraq on over a decade of dues unpaid by Saddam. The arrangement was first approved by Arab foreign ministers at a meeting in March 2004, when they requested the Arab League handle Iraqi arrears to Pan-Arab organizations. 70% of the arrears will be cancelled, with the remaining 30% being paid off in equal installments for a period of 10 years beginning in 2007. Iraq annual dues are currently $3.5m out of the League's total budget of $35m, and it has offered to pay 50% this year.
inistration a clean slate and a clean start. The Minister, the G8 leaders, Paris Club members and all Creditor nations need to think again about the Paris Club formula. It’s simply not good enough by a long way. There needs to be a 100% write off of all of Saddam’s debt, no more Reparations, no more damaging conditionality, and proper funding for reconstruction that involves, benefits and employs Iraqis. Think again."
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2005_07.html#000860