U.S. Pledges $200 Million to Reconstruct Liberia
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
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2004-006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
NEW YORK, NY - The United States delegation, led by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, pledged $200 million at the International Reconstruction Conference on Liberia to support the recovery and development of Liberia in its transition from a conflict-ridden society to one of stability and growth. The two-day conference, co-hosted by the United Nations, World Bank, and the United States in collaboration with the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) offers significant momentum to rebuild Liberia after 15 years of civil conflict.
Secretary Powell stressed the U.S. commitment to the people of Liberia, "With our African friends, and with the United Nations and with Liberians themselves, we are helping them to create a new government, a responsible government, to care for the needs of a desperate people."
The conference, which took place February 5 and 6 at UN Headquarters in New York City, raised pledges totaling more than $350 million for Liberia's reconstruction efforts. Donors include the European Commission, with additional donations from European states, Canada and Japan.
"This conference was a catalyst for dialogue between the international community and the National Transitional Government of Liberia. Chairman Bryant presented a compelling plan for the future of Liberia as a peaceful, productive neighbor and the international community responded with pledges to insure Liberia's robust and sustainable recovery," said Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. "I can not remember a country where we've pledged 40% of the total reconstruction budget. We expect more countries to pledge assistance to Liberia in the immediate future," added Natsios.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Secretary Colin Powell, and World Bank Regional Vice President of Africa Callisto Madavo opened the floor to international pledges on the second day of the conference with remarks calling for international supporters to join together to meet the needs of a country moving away from a history of conflict to a future of promise. Other conference speakers included Chairman C. Gyude Bryant, head of the NTGL, as well as Natsios, Mark Malloch Brown of the United Nations Development Group and a representative of the European Union.
Following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Accra, Ghana in August 2003 that brought an end to civil strife in Liberia, this conference is a partnership of bi-lateral, multi-lateral and international supporters who pledge support for the security and rebuilding of Liberia. The U.S. pledge will help provide immediate humanitarian efforts, assist in the community-based reintegration of displaced persons, refugees, and former combatants, train a new police force, and support a transitional government by assisting in election planning, independent media, and in other areas as well as support health, education, and agricultural projects.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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