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US pledges $1billion in aid for Georgia

03/09/2008

The United States has announced at least $1 billion (£564 million) in aid for Georgia to help in the rebuilding process following fierce clashes with Russia last month.

US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said on Wednesday the money would be used to help rebuild houses and infrastructure damaged in the fighting, emphasising it would not, however, be used for military purposes.

"We have been determined to help Georgia to sustain itself during these difficult times," Ms Rice told a news conference today.

She added the aid represented Washington's long-term commitment to Georgia, which would "survive, rebuild and thrive".

The first part of the package, $750 million (£422 million), is set to be delivered by the end of 2008 and the rest by the new US president in January 2009.

Clashes broke out between Georgia and Russia after T'bilisi launched a surprise assault on the breakaway region of South Ossetia last month.

Moscow responded immediately with hundreds of tanks rolling into Georgia and bombing raids carried out on a number of strategic sites.

Russia has maintained a military presence in Georgia since the incident, despite international condemnation and repeated calls for Moscow to order a retreat.