Iraq: $8 million grant offer for Iraqi National Congress

Answer: -- On May 23, the Department of State notified congress of our intent to award the Iraqi National Congress a new cooperative agreement, offering the organization another $8 million for their operations from June through December 2002. We have reached agreement with the Iraqi National Congress on the general terms of this grant, and we anticipate finalizing an agreement very soon. We are anxious to continue our support for the Iraqi National Congress’ newspaper, TV station, regional offices, Office of Humanitarian Relief, and drawdown of training. We believe the Iraqi National Congress can continue to play a productive and useful role through the activities proposed in our new agreement.