By IPS Correspondents
ABU DHABI, May 7 2003 (IPS)

A major United Arab Emirates (UAE) Arabic newspaper today praised the UAE’s benevolent deeds extended to the needy around the world.

Commenting editorially on the issue, the Abu Dhabi-based ‘Al Ittihad’ said: – The UAE has helped in alleviating sufferings from those under crisis and extended help to those in distress everywhere in the world, thanks to the sound instructions of President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as well as generous donations by philanthropists in the UAE.

ôThe opening of Sheikh Zayed Hospital in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, comes as part of the UAE’s sustained efforts to alleviate sufferings of the Iraqi population, who suffered a lot as a result of the most repulsive and repressive regime witnessed by the contemporary human history.

ôReconstruction of Iraq should begin with the people first and then construction of buildings comes next, because there will be no use of any construction if those who populate it lack the grace of good health.

ôThe UAE understood that the priority should be given for placing back fundamental services to the Iraqi human being, including water, electricity and medicines. Hence it has coupled its words with deeds and started extending these services to the most prejudiced areas in Iraq.

ôWhat is offered by the UAE to the brotherly Iraqi people under the current plight is an obligation dictated by the bonds of brotherhood and humanity till the Iraqis overcome their stalemate," the paper concluded.

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