Posted on 07/18/2004 1:00:46 PM PDT by knighthawk
AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands is prepared to grant Iraq debt relief on some of the 245 million euros ($302.6 million) it is owed in export credit and interest, a Dutch minister was quoted as saying yesterday.
Development Minister Agnes van Ardenne said in an answer to a parliamentary question it was not yet clear how much of the debt would be forgiven, saying more information was needed as to how much Iraq would be able to repay, news agency ANP reported.
The centre-right Dutch government supported last years United States-led war in Iraq and won approval last month to extend the mandate of the some 1,300 Dutch troops serving in the war-ravaged country.
Iraq wants a big write-off on its estimated $120 billion debt to international creditors.
The United States wants creditors to forgive as much as 95 per cent of Iraqs pre-war debts, but other countries have suggested a smaller write-off.
Ping
Congratulations to W and the Dutch!
Should the Iraqi's forgive the UN's debt?
Only in Socialist dominated Europe could the Dutch government be considered as 'center right.'
This decision is one based on logic, sound reasoning and a realistic approach for a small country to do what they can to help Iraq get back on it's own feet.
Thanks and hats off to the Dutch that support this decision.
A salute to the Netherlands!
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