U.S. Provides $3.25 Million to Aid Burma Cyclone Victims
The United States is providing $3.25 million in humanitarian aid to Burma and is prepared to do considerably more if the ruling military junta would permit, the White House says. Such additional assistance could include providing military medical teams and transport for large quantities of emergency supplies, President Bush says.
U.N. Food Aid Agency Urges Countries to Lift Food Export Bans
The head of the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has called on countries that ban exports of food commodities to lift those restrictions so more food can be available for humanitarian aid. Approximately 40 countries have imposed bans as commodity prices have soared in the past year, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran says.
World Population Growth Poses Security Challenges
With the world’s population expected to reach 9 billion by mid-century, there will be significant regional and global security stresses, says the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Michael Hayden discusses the rise of Asia and especially China and changes in the U.S.-European strategic alliance stemming from population growth.
Inter-American Meeting to Focus on Youth and Democratic Values
The views of civil society will be well-represented at the annual meeting of the Organization of American States General Assembly in Colombia in June. Organizers expect about 200 representatives from 94 civil society groups to participate. Creating jobs for youth will be a priority at the event.
Bush Asks Congress to Approve $770 Million More in Food Aid
President Bush calls on Congress to approve an additional $770 million for food aid programs in fiscal year 2009. With the $200 million in emergency aid the administration made available in April, America would have a total of nearly $1 billion in new funds to bolster food security in poor nations.