Report reveals Australian aid to Iraq used for economic gain not humanitarian relief

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http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0708/S00097.htm

Australian Aid To Iraq Used For Economic Gain?
Friday, 3 August 2007, 2:52 pm
Press Release: AID Watch


Report reveals Australian aid to Iraq used for economic gain not humanitarian relief
A report released today by AID/WATCH claims aid sent to Iraq was used to promote Australian commercial interests not humanitarian purposes.

Determining their National Interest: Australia's Economic Intervention in Iraq reveals the role that Australia aid-funded officials played in restructuring Iraqi economy through their involvement in the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) - the body which formally oversaw the occupation of Iraq.

Whilst stating their intention to work towards a reconstruction of the Iraqi economy, the CPA devised a series of agreements that ensured Iraqi dependency on foreign markets.

Among the most significant of these agreements was the June 2003 decision to rescind all taxes, duties and tariffs on imports - closely followed by the installation of a flat 15 percent tax on all individuals and corporations.

AID/WATCH claims these actions have left Iraqi farmers struggling to compete yet provided significant benefit for large foreign companies and Australian wheat producers.

Further, the report finds that no Iraqi's were consulted or even presented with the plans enacted by the CPA - which will be very difficult to modify by future Iraqi governments.