Life-Saving Assistance from Saudi Arabia Will Help Millions of Iraqis,

Says Secretary-General, Expressing Gratitude for Contribution

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General expresses deep gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their generosity in contributing $500 million to the United Nations for life-saving humanitarian assistance to people in Iraq.  The Secretary-General acknowledges the leadership and initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Highness King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The Secretary-General welcomes the timely funding, which will enable the United Nations and its partners to support the millions of Iraqi men, women and children whose lives have been torn apart by the conflict.

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For information media • not an official record