Belgium allocates EUR four mln for stabilization efforts in Syria, Iraq

BRUSSELS, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders on Wednesday announced that both Syria and Iraq urgently need humanitarian assistance and mine clearance to achieve a lasting stabilization in both countries.
He said in a statement this evening that Belgium has released 2 million euro (USD 2.2 million) for 2019 to contribute to the United Nations Mine Action Service humanitarian mine clearance activities in Syria and Iraq. Belgium has also decided to allocate 2 million euro to the UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization for Iraq, he said. "It is essential to stabilize and rebuild the country to prevent the population from turning to terrorist groups," he noted.
Reynders made the announcement ahead of ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against ISIS on November 14 in Washington where he will represent Belgium. (end) nk.gb