end, according to Global Fund officials. Countries including Britain, France and Germany have already fulfilled their pledges this year. But Italy, which has promised $120 million for 2004, needs to expedite payment if the Global Fund is to get the maximum U.S. contribution, Liden said. "It is a crucial element for us to succeed," he said. Japan still owes $14 million of $100 million pledged, officials said, while Russia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea also owe all or part of their much smaller contributions. The European Union has pledged $263.5 million, of which $213 million has been received, officials said. --SP 1935 Local Time 1635 GMT
