U.S. to focus on Belarus

Bush’s administration is to focus on Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, China, North Korea, Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Somali and Thailand, according to the notification of strengthening freedom and democracy in the world. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said it at the hearings in the U.S. Congress.

The executive branch asked the legislative one to provide USD 1.745 billion for next financial year for programmes, related to presidential notification of freedom support. USD 60 million is to be spent on budget of recently created by the U.S. Foundation of Human Rights and Democracy Support, PRIME-TASS reports.

Due to this structure, Ms Rice emphasised, the Bush’s administration is going to assist the new activity, broadening its political environment in establishing and facing obstacles democracies and authoritarian regimes, as a main element of U.S. Government’s efforts, aiming at positive and stable reforming in the world.

The foundation will allow the U.S. authorities to support democracy and human rights programmes in crucially important countries – objects of U.S. regard such as China, Belarus, Russia, Lebanon, North Korea, Thailand, Venezuela, Somali, Burma and Pakistan, the U.S. Secretary of State said.