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Congress Panel OKs $533 Million in Aid to Poland, Hungary

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From Associated Press

House and Senate negotiators late Monday approved $533 million in aid to Poland and Hungary to support economic and political reforms in the coming year.

Included is $200 million as the U.S. contribution to a $1-billion international fund to stabilize Poland’s economy as well as money to set up private sector development programs of $45 million in Poland and $5 million in Hungary.

A series of smaller initiatives would promote environmental cleanups in both countries, educational and cultural exchanges, Peace Corps activities and the efforts of union and other groups to promote democratic change.

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In addition, the bill would make available $200 million to guarantee payment for U.S. exports to Poland and $40 million in risk insurance for U.S. commercial ventures through the Overseas Private Investment Corp.

The conference committee also agreed to send money to a U.N. population agency for the first time in five years and to put $125 million into new military, intelligence and law-enforcement efforts in the war on drugs in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

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