19817: Orenstein responds to Lawless: USAID Funding (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: katie orenstein <katie@orenstein.com>

Robert Lawless comments on the recent Newsweek article:

> Of course, we all knew that the anti-Aristide opposition was being funded
> by the U.S. government, but I don't recall such a blunt statement from a
> mainstream U.S. publication that the International Republican Institute,
> the main conduit for monies to the Convergence, Democratic Platform, Group
> of 184, whatever, was funded by the USAID,

The fact that USAID funds IRI is no secret, it appears on IRI's website. I'm
not sure of the amount - but I thought that the $70 million figure tossed
around refers to the total  U.S. Government contributions to Haiti through
USAID, in FY 2003 -- which, according to USAID's website is actually $71
million.  How much of that goes to IRI?  I, too, would appreciate
clarification on this, if anyone on the list knows.  Katie Orenstein