Brussels, 31/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - As part of its EUR 400 million package for the socio-political and economic rebuilding of Afghanistan for 2003-04, the Commission has adopted a proposal to finance a Third Reconstruction Programme for Afghanistan with a total budget of EUR 79.5 million. Contracts will be concluded directly between the Commission and implementing partners such as UN organisations and NGOs for the various components, namely EUR 10 million to support the setting up of a national health care system; EUR 2 million for access to hygiene facilities for women in urban areas; EUR 47.5 million to assist operational public administration; EUR 13 million for de-mining activities to reduce the threat from mines and un-exploded ordnance; EUR 6 million for refugees and Afghan nationals returning to Afghanistan; and EUR 1 million to finance monitoring, reviews, and audits. The Commission Representation Office to Afghanistan will assure overall responsibility for programme management.