Fed: Govt to contribute $1 million to interim authority

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2001
Fed: Govt to contribute $1 million to interim authority

CANBERRA, Dec 22 AAP - The federal government today committed $1 million to the new
interim authority in Afghanistan and said further assistance would be considered.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer today announced the funding while saying he welcomed
the inauguration of the new authority.

"This (interim authority) highlights the impressive progress that has been made in
a very short time towards restoring that country to peace and stability," Mr Downer said
in a statement.

"To demonstrate Australia's support and commitment, I am pleased to announce that Australia
will contribute $1 million to the new interim authority through the United Nations Development
Program."

Further assistance would be considered, he said.

AAP lm/ldj/de

KEYWORD: TERROR AFGHAN AUST

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