LITHUANIA WILL PLEDGE ONE MILLION EUROS AT GEORGIA

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000865 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID EFIN GG LH SUBJECT: LITHUANIA WILL PLEDGE ONE MILLION EUROS AT GEORGIA DONORS CONFERENCE REF: STATE 109212 ¶1. MFA's Director of Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Renatas Juska told Post October 15 that the GOL plans to make a pledge of one million euros, to be spread over two years, at the Georgia Donors Conference October 22. Juska said that the Lithuanians intend their pledge to go toward the Joint Needs Assessment's social sector goals -- investment in health, education, and agriculture. He noted the need for IDP assistance but said he expects that will come from other, wealthier sources. ¶2. Comment: Post was heartened to hear of the Lithuanian financial commitment to the Georgians. Though not large relative to USG or EU level contributions, it nonetheless represents a significant percentage of Lithuania's development budget. CLOUD