Western countries continue to wrangle over the definition of official development assistance (ODA) in relation to security support. The grey zone concerns support that could fund military activities.

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Sweden, Norway will not channel relief through US-led coalition

Sweden and Norway have no plans to coordinate their humanitarian efforts for victims of the tsunami disaster through the US-led emergency coalition announced by US President George W. Bush last week.

The United Kingdom proposes the creation of a huge new humanitarian fund under OCHA to improve the UN’s capacity to coordinate humanitarian emergencies, and has pledged GBP 100 million (USD 191 million) per year for this purpose.

Bertel Haarder, who took over the aid portfolio following a Cabinet reshuffle in August, has in his first half year as Denmark’s Minister responsible for development surprised the sceptics.

2005 is election year in Denmark. The latest an election can take place is November. But Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen is likely to call the election before, perhaps as early as February.

Sweden closes chapter in four countries

Sweden will over the next few years phase out bilateral assistance to four countries - South Africa, India, Namibia and El Salvador - all of which have been substantial recipients of Swedish aid.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pushing for the establishment of a UN commission on the rights of the poor. Norway’s plan is for the commission to be launched as a Nordic initiative timed for the crucial UN Summit in September marking the first five years of the Millennium Development Goals.

Development Today has obtained a preliminary list of possible nominees for the proposed land rights commission. DT has learned that this list was worked out in consultation with Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto.

UN agencies still spend too little on the poor and too much on their own country offices. Norway’s Development Minister warns the UN System in no uncertain terms that if dramatic reforms do not happen fast, friendly donors will retaliate.

In Brief

Private aid contributions increase in Denmark