Cabinet of Ministers backs allocation of funding for Support Programme for Province Administration in Afghanistan and civil society support in Iraq

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved provision of funding for the project Support Programme for Province Administration for Afghanistan, which is co-financed by the European Commission (EC), as well as funding for relief of the damage caused by the war in Iraq, and for the support of civil society in Iraq.    

LVL 50,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the project in Afghanistan, whereas LVL 30,000 has been provided for strengthening civil society and raising the administrative capacity in Iraq.   

On 29 May, the UN and the governments of Sweden and Iraq will hold an international conference focusing on the implementation of the International Compact with Iraq. On 12 June Paris will host a conference for the support of Afghanistan. It is planned that Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in both events, where he will inform the international community about Latvia's contribution.   

The rebuilding and security of Afghanistan is a priority issue for the global community. The overall objective of its endeavour is the stabilisation and reconstruction of the state. 

The financial support allocated will serve as co-funding for the EC project Support Programme for Province Administration. This programme includes the financing of two administration projects at province level, with particular focus on the rule of law. The total amount of funds for one project is EUR 500,000 (LVL 351,402), with the EC covering 80%, and 20% being co-funded.    

This joint project with the EC allows Latvia to begin co-operation with the EC as the second major donor in Afghanistan, which will help Latvia to attract further funding for the Faryab province.

By allocating funding for the support of Iraq, Latvia affirms the significance it accords to humanitarian issues and their practical solutions in Iraq, which are also priorities in the context of EU policy.

The objective of the funding is to support and to strengthen civil society in Iraq, to enhance the administrative capacity of the state of Iraq and its regional authorities, and also the professional development of civil servants. 

The International Compact with Iraq is an initiative by the Iraqi government for mobilising support of the international community. It has become the main format for the provision of internationally co-ordinated political, economic, and financial assistance to Iraqi government.

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