UK to give counterterror aid to Pakistan, Somalia

Published November 19, 2013
British Foreign Secretary William Hague. -AFP Photo
British Foreign Secretary William Hague. -AFP Photo

LONDON: The British government is proposing to set aside around 4.8 million pounds ($7.7 million) to enhance counterterrorism capabilities in Pakistan and northern Somalia.

Foreign Secretary William Hague detailed the plans to donate equipment and fund training and mentoring programs in written statements to lawmakers on Tuesday.

He said the government wants to give 3.5 million pounds to support Pakistan's police and military to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices.

Separate assistance to the semiautonomous Somali region of Somaliland would amount to around 1.3 million pounds and go toward helping aviation and border authorities counter terrorist threats and toward building police capabilities.

The assistance will be approved as long as no lawmakers object before Dec. 5.

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