The Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Andrew S. Natsios, pledged up to $400 million dollars, pending congressional authorization, to support peace and cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
The pledge was made at the European Union (EU) sponsored Cyprus Pre-Donors Conference, and is contingent upon passage in both communities of the April 24 referendum. $100 million of that amount will be available immediately, and the additional $300 million will be requested in future budgets.
"By offering this concrete demonstration of support, the United States is signaling its commitment to the people of Cyprus," said Administrator Natsios in his official remarks at the conference in Brussels. "It is our sincere hope that working together with the international community the people of Cyprus can put the decades of frustration and pain behind them and move forward towards a united, prosperous, and peaceful country."
These funds will support the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Plan for Cyprus, through property restitution and compensation, relocation assistance, and support to institutions that will be created under the plan. These institutions represent an investment in the stability of the region and will help provide the critical support needed to implement the plan effectively and ensure a permanent settlement.
Since 1975, the US has given over $234 million dollars to Cyprus to support technical assistance, public infrastructure, environmental management, public health, urban renewal, and historic restoration. USAID will continue to fund its longstanding Bicommunal Development Program, as well as educational programs, currently totaling over $13 million in annual assistance. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
