Establishment of the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS)

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has established the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS), headed by Ambassador Carlos Pascual. The office will lead U.S. Government planning to help societies transition from conflict or civil strife to a sustainable peace, democracy and market economies.

Experience over the past decade has demonstrated that ad hoc responses to complex emergencies are not enough. The United States must be prepared to identify and marshal civilian resources rapidly for stabilization and reconstruction. The Reconstruction and Stabilization Office will monitor evolving developments, coordinate preventive and contingency planning, and -- when necessary -- mobilize a response. The office will work closely with the Department of Defense to ensure strong civil-military cooperation in planning and operations, and will develop and maintain close links with foreign governments, international and regional organizations, and nongovernmental organizations. More information on the new office is available at: http://www.state.gov/s/crs.

Ambassador Pascual’s official biography is available on the office web page: www.state.gov/s/crs. Most recently he served as Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, overseeing regional and country assistance strategies to promote market oriented and democratic states. In October 2000, he became U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.

2004/1036
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