For Immediate Release
October 19, 2004

57 Nations Recommit to Helping Iraq
Fact of the Day

Japan hosted the Iraq donor's conference last week, and a delegation from the Iraqi Interim Government discussed Iraq's needs with the international community. This is the first donor's conference since Iraq regained its sovereignty in June, and the main goal of the conference was to develop a concrete reconstruction plan for the $33 billion pledged in Madrid last year. In addition, Iraq obtained pledges of additional funds from the European Union and others. Representatives from 57 nations attended the conference. Japan pledged $5 billion to help Iraq, and $1.3 billion is already being used to improve electricity, water, education, health, and security.

Source: Embassy of Japan