Bush frees defense aid for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (AFP) - Two days after seeking some 75 billion dollars for Iraq and Afghanistan, US President George W. Bush on Thursday ordered that 88.5 million dollars in military aid be provided to the government in Kabul.
"I hereby direct the drawdown of up to 88.5 million (dollars) of defense articles, defense services, and military education and training from the Department of Defense for the Government of Afghanistan," he said.
Bush's order came in a memorandum for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, which was released by the White House.

01/27/2005 17:20 GMT - AFP