Millions of pounds in aid are to be pumped into Iraq's shattered infrastructure.

International development secretary Hilary Benn launched an interim Iraq Country Assistance Plan on Thursday aimed at putting the country on a more stable footing.

The UK's objectives for the next two years will be to support rapid, sustainable and equitable economic growth; effective and accountable governance; and social and political cohesion and stability.

Security fears

A team of officials from the Department for International Development has been working with the interim Iraqi administration since the end of the war that toppled Saddam Hussein's dictatorship.

And in 2003 DfID committed over £215 million towards the humanitarian and reconstruction effort in Iraq.

But the department accepted that security problems had "constrained" reconstruction efforts.

However, it pointed to achievements in food delivery, restoring power and water, providing healthcare and education and boosting administrative capabilities.

Madrid deal

At a reconstruction conference in Madrid last year, Britain pledged £544 million in aid to help rebuild Iraq after decades of dictatorship and war.

From this cash £65 million is to be given to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, which is managed by the World Bank and the United Nations.

"For decades the tyranny of Saddam’s regime led to appalling poverty, political isolation and held back the enormous potential of the Iraqi people," said Benn.

"Our aim is to help make Iraq a confident country once again by encouraging economic growth, political accountability and social cohesion. 

"The assistance plan and our financial support through partners at the World Bank and the United Nations will help Iraq to achieve wealth and stability."