afrol News, 4 March - Both Tanzanian and European Commission officials have refuted some newspaper reports that European Union has delayed the East African country's Tsh900 billion aid package.

In a joint dispatch, the head of delegation of EC and the National Authorising Officer for European Development Fund (EDF) and the Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Finance said the story lacked substance.

'This Day' newspaper on Tuesday ran a story captioned "EU delays 900 bn aid package to Tanzania". The paper said the EC;s aid programme under the 10th EDF [2008-2013] has been delayed.

Tanzania's Country Strategy Programme under the 10th EDF [Tsh900 billion] was signed at the EU-Africa summit in Lisbon in December 2007. The programme will start disbursing funds from 2009 onwards, officials of EC and Tanzania said, maintaining that "neither this programme, nor its timeframe have been changed."

As part of the 9th EDF [2001-2007], the European Commission provides general budget support of Tsh300 billion to Tanzania.

"According to the financing agreement, the final payment is scheduled for September 2008. No decision has been taken to delay or withhold this payment."

By staff writer

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