Brussels, 22/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The donors' conference for the reconstruction and socio-economic development of Georgia, held in Brussels on Wednesday under the joint chairmanship of the EU and the World Bank, raised pledges of aid amounting to a total of $4.55 billion (nearly €3.45 billion) greatly exceeding expectations, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner told the press. The $4.55 billion is made up of €3.6 billion in public money and $850 million from the private sector. The EU will contribute with “up to €500 million” for the years 2008-2010. The commissioner welcomed this “strong sign of solidarity with the Georgian citizens” and stressed that the EU and other donors will strictly ensure the money is put to good use. Georgian Prime Minister Vladimir Gurgenidze also promised “taxpayers from all donor countries” that the donations would be used to help those in greatest difficulty (refugees and displaced persons) affected by the conflict with Russia and help to make Georgia “stronger, more prosperous, freer and more democratic”. (H.B./transl.jl)