Norway to increase aid to Zimbabwe

Oslo, 18 June-(ANA)-Norway will increase its aid to Zimbabwe by NOK 42 million to a total of NOK 200 million this year, it has been announced.

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg told visiting Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai that the funds will mainly go to education, health services and promoting democracy.

The funds be channelled through the UN, the World Bank and NGOs, but not through the Zimbabwean government financial system, Stoltenberg said.

Norway has for many years supported human rights organisations and activities aimed at promoting democracy and reconciliation in Zimbabwe, but discontinued its direct assistance to the Zimbabwe government in 2000.(ANA)

FA/ANA/18 June 2009---