The Latest: UN may have to reassess Iraq mine-clearing work
The Latest on the conference under way in Kuwait to help Iraq rebuild after the devastating war against the Islamic State group (all times local):
6:30 p.m.
The head of the U.N.'s mine-clearing agency in Iraq says it will have to reassess priorities with the government in Baghdad if a major donors conference fails to drum up enough funds for the country as it rebuilds.
Pehr Lodhammar, a senior program manager for the United Nations Mine Action Service, told reporters that the agency and Iraq's government will have to decide "what we do, and what we leave for now and maybe address later on."
He spoke to reporters in Geneva to detail the complexity of the task of clearing explosives left behind in areas of Iraq that were once controlled by the Islamic State group. Such work is crucial to help displaced Iraqis return to their homes safely.
Lodhammar said UNMAS needs another $216 million this year for its operations in 32 areas of Iraq, including the northwestern city of Mosul, on top of 116 in commitments and pledges already made.
He said UNMAS and other United Nations agencies were hoping for around $45 million to be set aside for safe returns of Iraqis as part of money being pledged at a donor's conference for Iraq in Kuwait on Wednesday.
Lodhammar said it would be "of course concerning if we don't reach the amounts envisaged and hoped for, but I believe that it is an ongoing process. I think more donors will be coming to the table."
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5:40 p.m.
Kuwait says a total of $30 billion in pledges have been made at a summit on rebuilding Iraq after the Islamic State war.
The announcement Wednesday falls short of the $88.2 billion requested by Iraq, however it is far higher than the amount previously announced by those taking part.
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2:30 p.m.
The Kuwait-based Arab Fund says Iraq will receive $1.5 billion in infrastructure aid in coming years after the war against the Islamic State group.
It made the announcement on Wednesday at a conference in Kuwait City.
The fund also says it reached an agreement with Iraq to settle its outstanding dues to the organization, allowing it to fully rejoin it.
The Islamic Development Bank also pledged $500 million toward reconstruction in Iraq.
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2 p.m.
Turkey has pledged $5 billion while Qatar has pledged $1 billion to help rebuild Iraq after the war on the Islamic State group.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdurahman Al Thani made the announcements in Kuwait City at a donor conference on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates pledged $500 million while Germany pledged 500 million euros.
Earlier in the day, Kuwait's ruling emir said his oil-rich nation will give $1 billion in loans and $1 billion in direct investments to help rebuild Iraq. Saudi Arabia pledged $1.5 billion.
Overall, Iraq is seeking $88.2 billion in aid from donors.
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1:30 a.m.
Saudi Arabia has pledged $1.5 billion to help rebuild Iraq after the war with the Islamic State group.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir made the pledge on Wednesday at a donor's summit at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City. Wednesday is the last day of an appeal for funding to come forward at the Kuwait conference.
Earlier in the day, Kuwait's ruling emir said his oil-rich nation will give $1 billion in loans and $1 billion in direct investments to help rebuild Iraq.
Overall, Iraq is seeking $88.2 billion in aid from donors.
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10:50 a.m.
Kuwait's ruling emir says his oil-rich nation will give $1 billion in loans and $1 billion in direct investments to help rebuild Iraq.
Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made the announcement on Wednesday at a summit seeking donations to help rebuild Iraq after the war against the Islamic State group.
The announcement is in many ways stunning — many at the gathering in Kuwait remember how Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait only a generation ago. It shows Kuwait's deep desire to see its northern neighbor have a stable government after the years of unrest following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam.
Overall, Iraq is seeking $88.2 billion in aid from donors.