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Journalism of Courage
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.
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)
