MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government, through its international aid
agency, AusAID, will commit up to $150 million over the next five years to support Afghanistan
in its transition from conflict to peace and democracy.
The funding will be used to make the country more secure,
remove remaining terrorist threats, rebuild government institutions, protect
human rights and deliver critical health and education services. As well as improving
the lives of Afghan people this funding will contribute to building national,
regional and global peace and security.
This new commitment comes as I have joined world leaders
gathered in London for the signing of an Afghanistan Compact which provides a
road-map for international donors and the Government of Afghanistan to work
together to rebuild the country into a stable and democratic state.
Australia's new pledge supports the goals of this
Afghanistan Compact and builds on the $110 million we have spent since September 2001 on projects
which have helped to stage democratic Presidential and Parliamentary elections,
re-establish law and order and provide essential food security, health and
education services.
For example, Australia's aid has supported the provision of
surgical, obstetric and paediatric hospital services to 50 health clinics in
urban, regional and provincial areas. We have also provided refugees with shelter and water assistance as well as
support for their return, reintegration and protection through the United
Nations.
Australia has also previously committed around 300 military
personnel and two helicopters to Afghanistan, and is willing to consider
contributing up to 200 further personnel for Provincial Reconstruction Team activities.
This new pledge includes a budget commitment of $55 million
up to the end of June 2007, with additional funding after that date depending
upon the ability of the Government of Afghanistan to perform against benchmarks
contained in the Afghanistan Compact.
Australia's commitment at this London Conference
demonstrates our continued support to the Afghan people and their Government as
they work towards realising their aspirations for peace, stability and
democracy.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office): 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs): 0417 680 590