Eritrea wants the U.S. Agency for International Development to close down its operations in the country, to where the organization devoted over $75 million in fiscal year 2004. U.S. Ambassador Scott DeLisi confirmed that the African government has asked the agency to stop its work because it is not comfortable with USAID?s activities. DeLisi refused to speculate on the reason for Eritrea?s sentiment but diplomats in the capital Asmara believe the move relates to USAID's unilateral aid announcement last June or the significant role of Washington?s bilateral arm within the civil society. The American envoy said he respects the decision, adding that the agency will stay for only as long as the host country wishes it. (Source: Eritrea asks USAID to cease operations/Reuters)
