New Zealand gives $1 million for Red Cross in Iraq

2.45pm

New Zealand is to give an additional $1 million to the Red Cross for emergency relief work in Iraq, Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said today.

It is in addition to the $500,000 that has already been given to the Red Cross in the Government's $3.3 million package for emergency relief in Iraq.

"New Zealand is keen to work with the international community on humanitarian efforts to relieve the suffering of ordinary Iraqis and to help them rebuild their lives as quickly as possible," he said in a joint statement with Marian Hobbs, the minister responsible for official development assistance.

"The additional funding to the Red Cross is one of a range of options we're currently considering."

Mr Goff said the New Zealand Red Cross was considering sending a civilian medical team to help Red Cross operations in Iraq.

"If that option is deemed viable, the cost will be met out of the $1 million, with the balance going to the International Red Cross," he said.

"If the medical team is not considered viable, the full $1 million will go to the International Red Cross."

- NZPA

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