Posted on 02/15/2006 9:45:08 AM PST by freedom44
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US administration will ask Congress for another 75 million dollars to boost democracy in Iran amid growing concern over Tehran's nuclear program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.
She told a Senate committee the money, which amounts to more than a doubling of the funding for pro-democracy activities in Iran, would go to stepped-up radio and television broadcasts and other programs.
"The United States has been at the forefront of nations seeking to take Iran to the UN Security Council on fears that it is seeking nuclear weapons," Rice said in prepared testimony for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"The United States will actively confront the aggressive policies of the Iranian regime," she said. "At the same time, we will work to support the aspirations of the Iranian people for freedom and democracy in their country."
A State Department official said the 75 million dollars would be requested as supplemental funding for the 2006 fiscal year, on top of the 60 million dollars already appropriated.
The official, who asked not to be named, said 50 million dollars of the added money would go to expanded radio and television broadcasts into Iran to ensure around-the-clock coverage.
He said 10 million dollars would go to shoring up the work of civil society groups, reformers and political activists trying to promote democracy in the Islamic republic.
Rice said, "This money will enable us to increase our support for democracy and improve our radio broadcasting into Iran, to begin satellite television broadcasts, to increase the contacts between our peoples ... and to bolster our public diplomacy."
Why don't we spend this money on securing our borders first?
Bloistering the pro-democracy movement in Iran is smart.
If they really wanted to change things they could drop 25 million of rifles,MANPAT AA, and ammo. the mullas would be swinging in a week
I think they would do better to promote luxury in my life style - send me the money - I will email Iran every day with pictires of me having a big BBQ - and throwing darts at a cartoon of you knowmohamheadwho.
$75 Million?
Might as well flushit.
Or give it to me. I can put it to much better use.
And donate some assassins too.
"flushit."
LOL
"50 million dollars of the added money would go to expanded radio and television broadcasts into Iran to ensure around-the-clock coverage."
I hope they aren't serious about spending all that money on radio broadcasts.
Throwing money at Iran won't change the fact that they intend to nuke Israel and the US the first chance they get.
Would have been smarter, not to mention more effective, if we had started this 3 years ago. Bit late now.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.