Open purses with strings attached

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By Alan Boyd

SYDNEY - Stung by United Nations criticism and eclipsed by a global outpouring of private aid, the world's wealthiest nations on Thursday assembled a massive financial package for the 5 million victims of South Asia's tsunami.

Meeting with their Asian counterparts in Jakarta, leaders of the United States, Japan, Australia and Western Europe pledged US$3.7 billion in immediate help and reconstruction funds for 13 affected countries. And more is expected as development needs are assessed.