US aid to Afghanistan going on security

KABUL – The United States said yesterday it will give Afghanistan US$3,2 billion in aid this year, with more than three-quarters earmarked for boosting the insurgency-racked country’s army and police.

Congress recently approved US$2,1 billion in assistance for Afghanistan, adding to a US$1,1 pledge announced at a donors’ conference in London in January, a US Agency for International Development statement said. “The majority…will be available for security assistance,” it said.Over US$2,48 billion will be used in strengthening the fledgling Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army, it said.A total of 587 million dollars will be available for reconstruction, 73 million for democracy and governance and 120 million for humanitarian and other assistance, the statement added.Washington has been the major backer of Afghanistan’s fledgling government since a US-led coalition toppled the Taliban regime nearly five years ago following the September 11, 2001 attacks.Nampa-AFP”The majority…will be available for security assistance,” it said.Over US$2,48 billion will be used in strengthening the fledgling Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army, it said.A total of 587 million dollars will be available for reconstruction, 73 million for democracy and governance and 120 million for humanitarian and other assistance, the statement added.Washington has been the major backer of Afghanistan’s fledgling government since a US-led coalition toppled the Taliban regime nearly five years ago following the September 11, 2001 attacks.Nampa-AFP