Nations Pledge 5.3 Billion To Haiti Fund

New York — Governments from around the world exceeded expectations in their pledges to support the Haitian post-earthquake reconstructions today, as 5.3 billion dollars were promised over the next 2 years, and 9.9 billion earmarked for the next 10 years.The Haitian government was hoping to raise 3.9 billion dollars in order to begin the initial rebuilding process slated for the next 18 months.

“This signals a new level of global commitment, coordination and cooperation” said Co-chair of the conference Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her closing remarks at the conference. “We have the chance not only to contribute to Haiti’s progress but to demonstrate that the international community can achieve a new level of effectiveness and impact to test new approaches, use new technologies , engage one another to build stronger ties between our countries and people.”

Earlier in the day, the Secretary of State announced that the US would pledge 1.15 billion dollars over the next two years, the largest single contribution by any donor country. “This money will go towards supporting the government of Haiti’s plan to strengthen agriculture, energy,health, security and governance.” said the Secretary of State.

The 27 member states of the European Union also pledged approximately 1.5 Billion over the same period of time.

“This is extraordinarily significant, we have all done this together, Brazilians and Argentines leading MINUSTAH (United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti ), the US and Canada and Mexico , all the Caribbean and Venezuela and Cuba. The only thing we all agree on is Haiti”, joked former President Bill Clinton, the United Nations Special Envoy to the country and co-chair of the Interim Haitian Reconstruction Committee.

But Haiti’s history of endemic corruption has raised doubts about whether or not the Haitian government will be able to ensure the money is well spent. Several NGO’s and members of civil society have recently criticized the Haitian government’s proposed plan for not having enough safeguards against corruption, accusations President Clinton tried to downplay.

“The Haitian government have not objected to transparency they just dont want it to interfere with their empowerment.So what we have done is settle on a model that is more or less like what we did during the tsunami.” said Clinton “It will be an open process and one I think will work very well.”

Clinton: For Every Dollar We Spend, We Must Show Results

By Benny Martinez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday that the State Department’s FY2011 budget request has increased to $52.8 billion, a $4.9 billion increase over 2010.

$3.6 billion will be directly allocated to supporting efforts for what Clinton referred to as “frontline states”; Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.

“These figures are more than numbers on a page,” Clinton said. “They tell the story of challenges we face and the resources we need to overcome them.”

Clinton said that the investments in these nations will focus on security, developing democratic institutions and ensuring that the right personnel are adequately trained in order to take full advantage of these investments.

“For every dollar we spend, we have to show results,” she said.

In her opening statement, Clinton said there will be an increase in civilian presence in Afghanistan, and continued efforts to develop institutions and increase economic opportunities.

Regarding Pakistan, Mrs. Clinton said investments will concentrate on combating and diluting extremism. Iraqi investments will be allocated toward reducing our military presence and increasing our civilian presence.

Clinton also emphasized that despite a $2.6 billion dollar investment in Iraq, the Department of Defense’s budget for the country will decrease by nearly $16 billion, “a powerful illustration of the return on civilian investment.”

The Mrs. Clinton expressed optimism over the State Department’s budget request, saying it “will help build the foundations of peace, stability and prosperity in these ‘frontline states.'”

Clinton: Iran Has Refused To 'Live Up To Its Responsibilities'

By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday that Iran has failed to “live up to its responsibilities."

“Iran has left the international community little choice but to impose greater costs for its provocative steps,” said Clinton. “We are now working actively with our partners to prepare and implement new measures to pressure Iran to change its course.”

Along with criticism against Iran, Clinton highlighted the State Department's top priorities, which includes investing in security, development and basic human rights.

“At a time of change and challenge at home and abroad, these investments will enhance the security of Americans, assure the future American leadership, and help build the foundations of peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead,” said Clinton.

Several Senators at the hearing asked for U.S. support of women’s rights in the Middle East and an end to the battle against the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda. Clinton pledged full support of both causes, warning that she did not want to ‘sugar-coat’ how hard would both be.

Cyber Attackers Should Face "International Condemnation," Says Secretary Of State

By Monique Cala - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the alleged hacking of Google in China represents more than just "petty hackers."

"Those who disrupt the free-flow of information in our society or any other pose a threat to our economy, our government and our civil society," said Clinton during an appearance Thursday morning at the Newseum in downtown Washington, D.C.. "Countries or individuals that engage in cyber attacks should face consequences and international condemnation."

"The Internet is a network that magnifies the power and potential of all others," said Clinton. "That's why we believe it's critical that its users are assured certain basic freedoms."

In light of recent events in Egypt, where 30 bloggers and activists were detained for beliefs they posted online, Clinton said that every country and its citizens should have freedom of speech, not only when discussing government, but also religion.

"As I speak to you today, government sensors somewhere are working furiously to erase my words from the records of history," said Clinton. "But history itself has already condemned these tactics."

Clinton said that the global implementation of technology has contributed to the development of many countries. As an example, she cited Kenya, where farmers have experienced up to a 30 percent growth in income using mobile banking.

"A World Bank study found that in a typical developing country, a 10 percent increase in the penetration rate for mobile phones led to an almost 1 percent increase in per capita GDP," said the Secretary of State. "To just put this into context, for India, that would translate to almost $10 billion a year."

US To Host Global AIDS Conference In 2012

Travis Martinez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News

As the Obama administration prepares to repeal the HIV ban on infected foreigners, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced today that the U.S. will host the biannual global AIDS conference in 2012.

The U.S. last hosted the conference in 1990.

“We have to continue to see a global solution to this global problem,” she said. “It is clear that our nation’s investments in HIV/AIDS are having an impact. President Obama and I are dedicated to enhancing America’s leadership in the fight against global AIDS,” said Clinton.

“The American people can be proud of the work that is taking place, and of the dedicated people who are doing it. Yet it is equally true that the global AIDS emergency is not over,” added the Secretary of State.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called the lifting of the HIV ban a consequential shift in U.S. policy.

“It was a policy that tore families apart, kept people from getting tested, forced others to hide their HIV status and forgo live saving medication,” she said.

According to a press release, the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), is working to develop and implement a National HIV/AIDS strategy which would involve goals to reduce HIV incidence, increase access to care and optimize health care outcomes.