U.S. to give $5 million for Syrian reform

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The United States plans to distribute $5 million in grants to pro-democracy groups in Syria.

A statement from the State Department said the money is to go to "accelerating the work of reformers," the BBC reported.

"The people of Syria deserve the opportunity to build a better future and to live in freedom," Elizabeth Cheney, a State Department spokeswoman, said.

Groups can apply through a Web site created for the purpose for grants ranging in size from $100,000 to $1 million.

The Bush administration announced the Middle East Partnership Initiative, aimed at promoting democratic reform in the region. The administration on Wednesday asked Congress to appropriate $75 million for radio broadcasts into Iran.