Special support for provinces, minister of planning

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq will witness extensive support to the provincial authorities from the central government, minister of planning said here today. In a statement issued by the ministry, a meeting with the Mrs.Christine McNab, deputy UN special representative in Iraq, was held. Minster Ali Yousef al-Shukri pointed out that the ministry will handle the development of human resources during 2012, and called UN organizations to support this dossier. Other topics were discussed, including environment and water. He added that the environment dossier shall have great priority from all sectors, including governmental or civil society organizations, pointing that three topics, like dust storms, military mines and pollution, should be tackled. Shukri confirmed that a media campaign shall be started to enlighten the people on environmental issues. On the water question, the minister added that “it represents a great challenge to Iraq during the coming period, which necessitates the interference of the United Nations to guarantee that Iraq should have its share of water resources”. The statement added that the meeting tackled the five-year plan of 2010-2014, and the accomplishments achieved. Ms.McNab pointed out that the UN is keen to develop its relations through enhancing and adopting development projects. She added that the UN organization has special attention for water issues through supporting the Higher Water Council in Iraq.