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Warning on 'dire' Iraq conditions | Warning on 'dire' Iraq conditions |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The Red Cross is warning that despite some improvements in security in Iraq, the condition of the country's infrastructure remains dire. | The Red Cross is warning that despite some improvements in security in Iraq, the condition of the country's infrastructure remains dire. |
In a statement issued from their headquarters in Geneva, the Red Cross said it was particularly concerned about poor water supplies. | In a statement issued from their headquarters in Geneva, the Red Cross said it was particularly concerned about poor water supplies. |
It estimates that over 40% of Iraq's civilian population still has no access to clean mains water. | It estimates that over 40% of Iraq's civilian population still has no access to clean mains water. |
The organisation says that the health of millions Iraqis is at risk. | The organisation says that the health of millions Iraqis is at risk. |
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) describes the condition of Iraq's health, water and sanitation services as dire - failing to meet the needs of a large part of the population. | The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) describes the condition of Iraq's health, water and sanitation services as dire - failing to meet the needs of a large part of the population. |
Following this summer's outbreak of cholera, Beatrice Megevand Roggo, Red Cross Head of Operations for the Middle East, said she was especially concerned about the lack of clean water supplies. | Following this summer's outbreak of cholera, Beatrice Megevand Roggo, Red Cross Head of Operations for the Middle East, said she was especially concerned about the lack of clean water supplies. |
Ms Megevand Roggo said even the most basic infrastructure in Iraq is not functioning. | |
The Red Cross agrees security has improved recently in some parts of Iraq and this has allowed the organisation to expand its operations. | |
But, the ICRC insists, it can not be expected to provide basic services indefinitely. | But, the ICRC insists, it can not be expected to provide basic services indefinitely. |
"There is only so much a humanitarian organisation can do," said Ms Megevand Roggo. | |
"Their own responsibility is also something that matters a lot - you cannot only count on humanitarians to solve the problems of a country like Iraq." | |
That is a clear message to the government in Baghdad, and to the coalition forces. | |
Now that, five-and-a-half years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the violence has finally begun to abate; the authorities should not wait too long to start providing the simple necessities of normal life. | Now that, five-and-a-half years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the violence has finally begun to abate; the authorities should not wait too long to start providing the simple necessities of normal life. |
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