Brussels, 14/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Commissioner Chris Patten's initiative, the Commission has decided to grant EUR 4.9 million in initial aid for the political, economic and social reconstruction of Afghanistan. The funds were released using the new rapid intervention mechanism for the civilian management of crises and will be used to fund a programme to restore confidence, focussing on rapid action: technical assistance to the new interim government once it takes up office on 22 December (EUR 22 million); support for the United Nations Special Representative Mr Brahami (EUR 500,000); minesweeping operations (EUR 1.285 million); promoting independent media (EUR 234759); support for civil society in Pakistan (EUR 300,000); contributing to the International Donor Conference in Brussels on 21/22 December; and the identification of possible action in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries for preparing the medium-term strategy for the area. The Commission will decide to send more substantial aid at the beginning of 2002.