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02/03/2004
UK to double Afghan aid to £500m by 2009
The government has said that it will more than double the funding it sends to Afghanistan over the next five years to at least £500 million.
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said that improvements over the last two years included increased education assistance and the immunisation of 12 million children for polio and 16 million for measles.
"But there are still challenges ahead," he said. "Our new commitment will help to address those issues."
One of the major challenges is security, particularly in the south and east of the country and drugs continue to be a major issue. The UK is working to support the Afghan police and helping to build a new National Army, Mr Benn said. It is also assisting with the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants.
The government will also offer assistance to strengthen Afghanistan's public sector in key areas such as health and education.
At the donor conference held in Tokyo in 2002 the international community pledged $4.5 billion for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Many donors who made only one-year pledges at that time have promised further sums and the total has increased to more than $5.2 billion, the Department for International Development said.
(gmcg)
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said that improvements over the last two years included increased education assistance and the immunisation of 12 million children for polio and 16 million for measles.
"But there are still challenges ahead," he said. "Our new commitment will help to address those issues."
One of the major challenges is security, particularly in the south and east of the country and drugs continue to be a major issue. The UK is working to support the Afghan police and helping to build a new National Army, Mr Benn said. It is also assisting with the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants.
The government will also offer assistance to strengthen Afghanistan's public sector in key areas such as health and education.
At the donor conference held in Tokyo in 2002 the international community pledged $4.5 billion for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Many donors who made only one-year pledges at that time have promised further sums and the total has increased to more than $5.2 billion, the Department for International Development said.
(gmcg)
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Chancellor Gordon Brown has earmarked an extra £1.25 billion for the war in Iraq - bringing the total war budget to around £3 billion. Mr Brown also revealed that an extra £120 million has been allocated for the Department for International Development towards humanitarian relief in the conflict area.
Extra cash earmarked for war effort
Chancellor Gordon Brown has earmarked an extra £1.25 billion for the war in Iraq - bringing the total war budget to around £3 billion. Mr Brown also revealed that an extra £120 million has been allocated for the Department for International Development towards humanitarian relief in the conflict area.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
