IRI Supports MCC's Action to Suspend The Gambia
from the Compact Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2006

Washington, D.C. --The International Republican Institute supports the action taken Friday, June 16, 2006, by the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to suspend The Gambia from the MCC Compact Program.

MCC was created to link assistance from developed nations to greater responsibility from developing nations. Evidence has show The Gambia has not met the goals of the program with regards to protection of human rights and civil liberties and fighting corruption. For these reasons MCC Board took the correct action and suspended The Gambia.

The MCC has stated that The Gambia would be reinstated "after the government has taken tangible and significant actions to address the areas of decline and embrace political and economic reforms." This action sends a strong message that all countries applying for assistance must meet and adhere to the criteria established by the MCC to govern justly, invest in citizens, and encourage economic freedom.

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