Iraq: Debt Relief

Publication Date: March 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Economics

Type:

Coverage: Iraq

Abstract:

Iraq's public debt was estimated to be US$120.2 billion in nominal value as of the end of 2004. The debt owed to Paris Club creditors as of December 31, 2004, was estimated to be US$38.9 billion. The U.S. share of this amount is around $4 billion. Non-Paris Club countries, mostly Persian Gulf countries, are owed around $60-$65 billion. The remaining debts are to private commercial creditors. Iraqi debt relief (both Paris Club and non-Paris Club) is a high priority for both the President and Congress. This report will discuss efforts to implement Iraqi debt relief, as well as efforts to persuade non-Paris Club countries to forgive their Iraqi debts. It will also highlight several policy concerns. This report will be updated as events warrant.