• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

May 20, 2003
Release Number: 03-05-73


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


COALITION EFFORTS AID IRAQ'S RECOVERY (May 20)

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - Coalition Forces continue to assist in developing a safer and more secure environment in Iraq. Among recent developments:

BAGHDAD

At least 53 Non-Governmental and Private Volunteer Organizations (NGOs) are operating in Baghdad in conjunction with US forces. Many other NGOs are operating in Baghdad independently to improve the overall situation in Iraq.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC) announced that the Iraq Red Crescent society has become the first national institution to elect a post-war leadership. The 15 May election resulted in the selection of a five-member Executive Board.

Disaster Assistance Response Teams and the Department of State spent $618 million on emergency relief operations since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Non-U.S. sources (24 countries, including the European Union) already provided $1.14 billion in aid. Donors range from traditional powers, such as the UK, to other countries, such as Bangladesh and Croatia.

Third Infantry Division soldiers escorted 36 fuel trucks throughout their zones. They also distributed 119,000 gallons of gasoline and conducted emergency pay operations for 211,000 workers from various Iraqi miniseries.

Fourth Infantry Division soldiers are working with civilian contractors to remove two destroyed Boeing 727 Iraqi Airways aircraft from Baghdad International Airport in order to enhance safety and operations. Division Engineer soldiers are also conducting facility improvements to the airport.

Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan are maintaining medical facilities in Baghdad. The Ministry of Health is able to supply approximately 90 percent of the medical supplies to hospitals, and NGOs are working to make up the short fall.

Coalition Forces, Free Iraqi Forces and Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) Higher Education Committee members monitored the process to select seven new college deans (Colleges of Engineering, Science, Political Science, Urban Planning, Physical Education, Women's Education, and Women's Science) at the University of Baghdad. Five colleges nominated their candidates to ORHA for approval, and two will reconvene at a later date.

Coalition Civil Affairs and ORHA representatives coordinated with the National Fire Administration for assistance in developing fire-fighting services in Iraq.

MOSUL

The 3d Infantry Division received 81 benzene and 37 propane trucks from Turkey, and distributed the fuel to the greater Mosul area. Significantly shortened lines of fuel benzene and propane consumers indicate Coalition supply efforts are having positive results.

The 3d Infantry Division supervised the following payments: Ministry of Health ($17,980), Al Razi Hospital ($16,380), Al Khansa Hospital ($12,830), Care Home for Boys ($590) and Care Home for Girls ($560).

Approximately 100,000 50-kilogram sacks of flour have been distributed to the city's food agents.

The Coalition has made a $7,500 commitment to support a joint project with ORHA and a civilian Internet provider in order to establish Internet services at Mosul University.

TIKRIT

Fourth Infantry Division leaders met with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kurdistan Democratic Party to settle an agreement on all Peshmerga forces in-zone.

Fourth Infantry Division soldiers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Tikrit highway bridge, which the Governor and division leadership attended. The Governor helped preside over the ceremony and made a speech of cooperation and encouragement to the assembled citizens.

AL RAMADI

Coalition Forces in Al Qa'im paid more than 6,000 workers from the phosphate factory and railroad.

AN NAJAF

A Kuwaiti food convoy that arrived yesterday delivered 12 truckloads of food and medical supplies.

AN NASARIYAH

Coalition Civil Affairs units delivered 960 Humanitarian Daily Rations and 936 bottles of water to the Awad Jabar community. They also supplied a full water tanker to fill local water containers.