US government grants 6.5 million US dollars in development aid

US ambassador to Lebanon Richard Jones disclosed on July 28 that his government has approved an additional 6.5 million US dollar grant for rural development in Lebanon.

Jones spoke after talks with Minister of State for Finanace Fouad Siniora. The meeting was also attended by the US commerce attache Lara Friedman and James Stephenson, director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Jones added that he expected US Secretary of State Madeline Albright to decide on the ban on travel to Lebanon by Americans, which has applied for more than ten years. He said the decision is likely to come within 72 hours.

"I have informed Seniora of congress' approval for a 6.5 million US dollar grant,” Jones said