Rice unveils one billion dollars for Georgia

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Wednesday a one-billion-dollar (690 million euro) aid package for Georgia after its conflict with Russia, of which 570 million dollars will be delivered before the end of the year.

"Today I am pleased to announce a major United States economic support package which will total at least one billion dollars to meet Georgia's pressing humanitarian needs and to facilitate its economic reconstruction," Rice told reporters, adding that the aid was for civilian purposes only.

"We envision a multi-year commitment which will begin now, under President (George W.) Bush, and we believe strongly it will endure in the next administration," she said.

"Working closely with Congress, our administration plans...