DUSHANBE, September 6, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- A signing ceremony for 13 grants for a total amount of more than 94,000 US dollars for Tajik NGOs and media was held at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe on September 5.  

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Necia Quast, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, noted that the United States Government will provide assistance on development of democratic institutions and civic society in Tajikistan in the future as well. 

The grants were awarded primarily to non-governmental organizations working in the fields of law and banking. 

The Dushanbe independent weekly Nigoh (View) was awarded grant for the project to launch its news-analytical web site.  

The grants were awarded under the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program.  The purpose of the program is to award small grants for specific projects that support the development of democratic institutions in Tajikistan.  The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program has existed in Tajikistan since 2001.