Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power T.D., announces funding of €1.4 million for relief and reconstruction in Afghanistan

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power T.D., today announced funding of €1.4 million for relief and reconstruction in Afghanistan. The funding will be channelled in support of the Afghan National Development Strategy and the World Food Programme.

Announcing the funding, Minister Power said:

“I am pleased to announce this funding which reflects firm and ongoing support for the efforts of the Afghan Government and the Afghan people to build a stable and prosperous country. 

I particularly welcome the launching of the Afghan National Development Strategy, a process developed and owned by the Afghan Government and its people. This provides a strong and important roadmap for Afghanistan’s future development.

Real progress has been made in Afghanistan since 2001. However, key challenges remain, including institutional reform, security, countering corruption and narcotics, and improving human rights and the status of women.  The international community must make every effort to ensure that its assistance is sustained and well coordinated in order to help effectively tackle these and other key challenges.”

Note to editors:
The €1.4 million announced today will be distributed as follows:

Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARFT)
€1 million will be provided via the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) in support of priorities identified in the Afghan National Development Strategy.  The ARTF is a multi-donor mechanism administered by the World Bank.  Ireland has contributed to this Trust Fund since 2002. 

World Food Programme (WFP)
€400,000 will be provided to the World Food Programme (WFP) to deal with humanitarian consequences of the rise in food prices in Afghanistan.     
 
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Press
24/6/08