THE US CONGRESS APPROVES THE PROVISION OF $13 MILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA UNDER THE SECURITIES ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2000

Earlier today, American Ambassador Kathryn Proffitt called on Prime Minister Fenech Adami to inform him that President Clinton has recently signed into law the Securities Assistance Act of 2000 providing for assistance to a number of friendly countries. The total amount earmarked for Malta for the period 2000-2002 has been established at over US$13 million.

Of the total amount US$5 million has been designated for the purchase of static x-ray facility for the Freeport. This piece of equipment would enhance Malta's capability to detect goods with possible dual use purposes as well as strengthen the Customs Department commitment in the fight against international drug trafficking.

Ambassador Proffitt also informed the Prime Minister that a further US$8,650,000 has been designated for Malta over the 2000-2002 period, with US$ 3,650,000 targeted for this year. This assistance will be used to increase the capability of the AFM in areas such as Search and Rescue.

This is the first time that the US Congress had agreed to include Malta in the Securities Assistance Act at such significant levels. Ambassador Proffitt stated that this reflects the very high degree of friendship and close relations now enjoyed between the US and Malta.

The Prime Minister expressed his Government's appreciation for the generous decision of President Clinton and the United States Congress. He shared the Ambassador's sentiments that this decision was a result of the continuing strengthening of relations between Malta and the United States, which he also augured, would be further enhanced in different sectors in the future. Prime Minister Fenech Adami finally expressed his personal thanks and those of his Government for Ambassador Proffitt's unstinting hard work which has firmly consolidated Maltese-American relations and which, no doubt, proved instrumental in the positive decision taken by the US Government.