Iraq Criticizes Lack of Foreign Donations

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SOUTHERN SHUNEH, Jordan (AP) - Iraq's planning minister on Monday criticized the massive shortfall in foreign donations to rebuild the country he described as a "devastated waste plant," saying most of the money coming in has gone for security.

Barham Salih told a global reconstruction conference in Jordan his country needs up to $60 billion to be rehabilitated. But of $32 billion in loans and grants pledged two years ago, the country has received only $7 billion.

"Our message to the international community is that the time has come to deliver on promises and disburse the grants promised to Iraq," Salih told reporters as representatives of 60 countries and international organizations gathered to review Iraq's reconstruction checklist and coordinate with donors on ways to move forward."
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