Bujumbura — â-šThe two last years with an elected government is the longest period of a democratic mode in the history of the country. The budgetary support will play an important part in ensuring a continuous peaceful development in the country, and signals the will of Norway to contribute to this development ", declared the Norwegian minister for the environment and the international development Erik Solheim.

Peace in Burundi remains fragile. During the past year, Norway sought to contribute to peace in the country by the increase in the bilateral co-operation and through the peace building commission in the United Nations where Norway chairs the efforts on Burundi.

The budget of support is intended to reinforce a governmental apparatus weakened by years of conflict, and to insure that the population has access to public services.

The Norwegian support for Burundi will approximately rise to 18 million American dollars in 2007. This amount includes not only the budgetary support, but also the humanitarian aid, the assistance for returning refugees from Tanzania, and the support with the demobilization. Norway also contributes by the means of the Funds of the peace of the United Nations.