Contact: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Press Office, 202-712-4320; Public Information, 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, July 10 /Standard Newswire/ -- Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator, Henrietta Fore, will be in Brussels Friday to lead the U.S. delegation at the international donors conference for Kosovo. The conference is being hosted by the Commission of the European Union and donors from around the world will be pledging financial support to the development of the world's newest state: Kosovo. During this conference the Administrator will announce the U.S. pledge for Kosovo.

The United States is the largest bilateral donor to Kosovo. Since 1998 the U.S. has contributed $1.1 billion and has been a leading member of the Group of Principals organizing the donors conference. The U.S. has worked with Kosovo to help the country develop strong institutions and the foundations of a viable economy.

U.S. assistance will continue to support Kosovo independence and implementation of the provisions of the UN supported Ahtisaari Plan. U.S. policy remains focused on building capacity within Kosovo's nascent institutions and enhancing its ability to sustain development into the coming decade. U.S. funds being pledged at the conference will support Kosovo's development plan as laid out in its Medium Term Expenditure Framework by, among many other things, helping relieve debt Kosovo may inherit, building the capacity of the judicial system, enhancing the business climate, improving the education system, and increasing access to potable water.

For more information about USAID and its programs in Kosovo visit www.usaid.gov.