US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has singled out four countries - Colombia, Nigeria, Indonesia and Ukraine - for special attention and US aid.

"Each can be a major force for stability and progress in its region, and each is at a critical point along the democratic path," Mrs Albright said.

She did not say how much assistance the administration planned for the four countries beyond the $1.6bn for Colombia which she announced on her trip to the South American country last weekend.

Indonesia received $86.5m last year, and the Clinton administration has in fact requested a decrease to $80m this year.

Nigeria received $12.5m last year and the administration is asking for $20m this year, but may increase the request, while Ukraine received $195m last year with $219m being requested this year.

Prosperity and democracy

"The struggle in Colombia is not between right and left, rich and poor, or between one ethnic group and another," Mrs Albright said.

"It is between those who want to pursue prosperity and social development democratically and those addicted to criminality, violence and corruption."

Nigeria, she said, has had its US aid nearly quadrupled under President Bill Clinton in an effort to help Nigerians deal with threats to stability and democracy.

"We must do all we can to help them succeed," Mrs Albright said.

Indonesia's President Abdurrahman Wahid deserves support as he tries to stabilise the economy, deepen civilian control of the military, establish the rule of law, maintain national unity and respect human rights, Mrs Albright said.

She called Ukraine a partner and friend of the United States threatened with economic decline, corruption and crime.

"We will continue to help our partner move down the path to deeper reform, fuller freedom and sustained growth," she said.