STOCKHOLM (AP) - The Swedish government has decided to increase aid to Afghanistan to help the country restore democracy and improve human rights.
The government Thursday said it will increase its aid to Afghanistan gradually to reach 500 million kronor ($63 million) a year by 2012. It currently gives just over 300 million kronor a year.
The focus will be on democracy, human rights, education and small businesses. The aid also will be aimed at improving women's rights in the male-dominated country and improving security and the legal system.

About a quarter of the Swedish aid will be directed to the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, Jowzjan and Sar-e-Pul, where Swedish forces are operating.