Precedence: bulk Norway gives more funds for Electoral Assistance Jakarta, 29 April 1999 (UNDP)�The Government of Norway has provided an additional US$500,000�making it a total of US$950,000�through the Technical Assistance Programme of the United Nations Develop- ment Programme (UNDP) to support the electoral process in Indonesia. The Government of Norway, committed to assist countries in transition to democracy, was the first donor to give funds to UNDP and now again, they are the first to give additional funding. Ravi Rajan, Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia said: �We are extremely grateful that Norway realises the need for additional funding now that UNDP�s co-ordinating role for external assistance to the elections is getting into full swing.� As with Norway�s earlier contribution (US$450,000 on 12 April), the additional funding is not earmarked, thereby giving UNDP a lot of flexibility in the allocation of the funds. �We trust that UNDP with its expertise knows how to utilise the contribution in the most beneficial manner to facilitate the electoral process�, said Sjur Torgersen, the Ambassador of Norway. Norway�s overall collaboration with UNDP is very strong, with Norway currently ranking as UNDP's fifth largest donor with a 1999 contribution at NOK 550 million (US$69.91m). * * * Media contact: Griet Dierckxsens Samsudin Berlian Tel: 314 1308 ext. 136 or 126 Please visit UNDP�s Elections Website: www.un.or.id/ge ---------- SiaR WEBSITE: http://apchr.murdoch.edu.au/minihub/siarlist/maillist.html
