UN seeks record $2 b emergency aid for Iraq

The United Nations is preparing its largest-ever appeal for emergency humanitarian aid, seeking more than $2 billion from governments around...

The United Nations is preparing its largest-ever appeal for emergency humanitarian aid, seeking more than $2 billion from governments around the world for war-torn Iraq, UN officials said on Thursday.

The appeal, which initially had been expected last week, could now be issued as soon as Friday, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

But UN diplomats cautioned there would be little enthusiasm among donor nations, many of whom believe the US and Britain bear primary responsibility for humanitarian aid after launching their invasion without Security Council approval.

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UN officials said they expect the aid appeal to total at least $2.1 billion, including a record $1.2 billion to be designated for emergency food purchases by the Rome-based World Food Programme.

The officials last week estimated the appeal would total some $1.7 billion but later decided more would be needed. (Reuters)

SP leader Azam Khan walks out of jail after 23 months, hundreds of supporters welcome him

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Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is facing multiple cases, walked out of the Sitapur jail today after 23 months. He was scheduled to be released early Tuesday morning, but it was delayed due to impending court proceedings. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Sitapur jail, waiting for the SP leader to walk out of prison.

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