World Bank offers $250 million in tsunami aid

[quaoar]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N30680503.htm

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 30 (Reuters) - The World Bank on Thursday offered $250 million for tsunami relief, bringing total aid contributions from around the world to nearly $500 million, the United Nations said.

World Bank President James Wolfensohn announced release of the funds by telephone during a meeting at U.N. headquarters convened to plan the next steps in the unprecedented global relief effort, U.N. chief spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

Representatives of 18 U.N. agencies and private aid groups or coalitions participated in the meeting, either in person or via a telephone or video link, the United Nations said.

The meeting was the first in a series scheduled on Thursday at the world body's New York offices to focus on how to quickly gear up the aid campaign and prepare for an initial emergency fund-raising appeal to be launched by the United Nations next week.

[Demit]

1. Doesn't the World Bank have lots of strings attached to its "relief"?

Something tells me there are Bushes and Carlyle Group heavies all mixed in with those participating "private aid groups".

[movonne]

2. When they loan money to different countries and they can't pay it

back, then they take their resources.(this was how I understood it anyway)

[Pastiche423]

4. Having followed the World Bank and the IMF

for a few years now, I feverishly hope the countries read all of the fine print that will accompany any "donation".

[Be Brave]

3. Yes, world bank = lots and lots of strings attached.