2005 press releases

U.S. GRANTS ADDITIONAL 6M USD FOR SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague, July 1, 2005 

In support of the strong bilateral partnership between the United States and the Czech Republic, the U.S. Government has allocated $6 million under the Coalition Solidarity Fund in support and assistance to coalition partners in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This grant will allow the Czech Republic to purchase defense related equipment and supplies. 
 
This allocation is above and beyond the current security assistance for which the Czech Republic is eligible: the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which allows the Czech Republic to purchase defense related equipment, supplies and services from the United States, and the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.  Since 1997, the United States has provided over $100 million in FMF and IMET military grant funds to the Czech Republic. 
 
The $6 million in additional funds comes from $200,000,000 of the Coalition Solidarity Fund which President George W. Bush asked from the Congress in February 2005 in support of key U.S. partners and in recognition of the significant contributions these allies made in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global operations.  In May, the U.S. Congress included this request in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief.  This allocation demonstrates U.S. appreciation of these partners' support and also represents an investment in future collaboration.

For further information please contact:  U.S. Embassy Press Section, tel.: 602-298-512, fax 257-533-006.