When it comes to U.S. aid, some in Latin America fret about the political costs

Posted on Friday, 08.31.12
When it comes to U.S. aid, some in Latin America fret about the political costs

The United States has plans to hand out almost $2 billion in aid in Latin America and the Caribbean over the next two years, but some in the region worry about the political price tag.

BY JIM WYSS
jwyss@MiamiHerald.com

BOGOTA -- As the U.S. Agency for International Development plans to distribute $1.8 billion in aid in Latin America and the Caribbean over the next two years, you would expect the region to be lining up.

Instead, some nations are eyeing USAID with suspicion, accusing the 50-year-old agency of playing politics even as it helps the needy. In June, the political council of the eight-nation ALBA bloc of countries, led by Venezuela, asked members to “immediately expel” USAID, accusing it of “destabilizing our legitimate governments.”

In July, Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa, who may run for re-election in February, warned supporters that USAID was fueling the opposition by pumping millions into “democracy strengthening” projects.

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If Ecuador and the ALBA follow through on the threat it would end a half-century relationship in some countries, said Mark Feierstein, the assistant administrator of USAID’s Latin America and the Caribbean bureau. He said USAID has no covert agenda and has always supported priorities identified by the host countries.

More: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/31/2979156/when-it-comes-to-us-aid-some-in.html#storylink=cpy

(Do remember it was during the _Bush pResidency it was learned a number of "journalists" working for the Miami Herald also were being paid by the U.S. Government.)