The ancient city of Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance, but its carefully preserved heritage has come underseverethreat amid the ongoing conflict.
The Iraqi regime, under military threat and the pressure of severe economic sanctions, has permitted this intrusion and allowed UNSCOM inspectors access to its facilities and personnel to a remarkable degree.
Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM warned that there would be severe cuts and services would be underthreat in the next five years if they could not secure a fairer funding system for Wales.