Press release 29 November 2007
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Sweden supports UN office in Iraq

The Government decided today to contribute SEK 4 million to the protection force for UN personnel in Iraq. The UN office in Iraq was recently given a greater role to play following a decision by the UN Security Council.

"Sweden has a strong interest in a democratic, stable and united Iraq," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. "This financial support is a concrete way of contributing to the UN's activities in Iraq in a precarious security situation."

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In 2004, the UN established a special fund to finance the protection force for UN personnel in and around Baghdad. A total of sixteen countries, including around ten EU countries, have contributed more than USD 23 million since the fund was established.

Sweden is one of the most major donors to the fund and has contributed approximately 11 per cent of its capital. Sweden has previously donated SEK 13 million in December 2004 and SEK 4 million in March 2007.

The UN office in Iraq works on national reconciliation, regional dialogue, humanitarian assistance and human rights. UN Security Council Resolution 1770, which was adopted in August 2007, has given the UN an extended mandate in Iraq.