Iraq – Italy donates 4.5 million for reconstruction

Italy has donated the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) 4.5 million euros to finance the Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization (FFIS) project in Iraq. The purpose of the initiative is to support UNDP to take swift action in the areas liberated from ISIS. The funds come in addition to the 2.5 million euros granted by Italy in December 2015 to the UN agency for Iraq. Based on priorities identified by the Iraqi government and local authorities, the FFIS is intended to quickly restore public infrastructure, provide credit for small businesses, increase the capacity of local authorities, promote civil commitment and community reconciliation, while at the same time providing temporary employment. Set up in June 2015, the FFIS is currently operating in the Anbar, Salah al-Din, Ninewah and Diyala governorates, in a total of 17 areas where the destruction caused by the battles against Daesh and the laying of handmade explosives by Islamic State to thwart the enemy offensive have slowed down efforts to stabilise the situation. “Highly effective cooperation between the project, the Iraqi government and local authorities has led to numerous areas being identified where FFIS intervention is needed – explained the Italian Ambassador in Baghdad, Marco Carnelos -. Italy’s commitment to stabilising Iraq is already substantial, thanks to programmes to train the country’s police conducted by the Carabinieri. It will now increase further to respond to the growing needs of the FFIS. A strong stabilisation process remains crucial to pave the way for the displaced people of Iraq to return to their homes safely from abroad and will prevent Iraqis becoming potential refugees”.