2008 Press Releases
U.S. Government Assistance to Georgia
December 19, 2008
John Tefft, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, will announce the next phase, in the amount of $47 million, in assistance to Georgia. This assistance is part of the $1 billion economic support package announced by President Bush and Secretary of State Rice earlier this year. Ambassador Tefft said: “We are pleased to announce this assistance today that will help people most directly affected by the conflict through the upcoming winter season.” Five members of the House Democracy Commission of the U.S. Congress, led by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), will witness the announcement.
This $47 million assistance package has as a point reference the needs identified in the United Nations – World Bank Joint Needs Assessment. The project activities reflect coordination with the Embassy of the United States, the Government of Georgia, and other donors. To support reconstruction, stabilization and security activities in foreign countries the Secretary of Defense can transfer funding to the Secretary of State under Section 1207 of the FY 2006 Department of Defense Authorization Act, as amended.
Over the next two years, the United States will provide a variety of assistance to fulfill its pledges to Georgia. This funding will assist IDPs directly affected by the conflict, rebuild infrastructure, restore economic growth, and sustain investor confidence in the Georgian economy. Assistance will continue to foster democratic reform and energy security.
