Despite the government's numerous restrictions on U.S.
governance and human rights programs, the closure of two U.S.
outreach centers, and limitations on in-country travel, the
United States held events focused on human rights, including
discussion groups, literature distribution, and public lectures.
The United States participated in the annual Eritrean Bookfair
and distributed 6,000 publications on democracy, good
governance, rule of law, and human rights. The United States
continued to sponsor a series of workshops in Asmara on
strengthening Sudanese civil society in preparation for that
country's elections in 2010. The United States sponsored monthly
lectures, weekly films, exhibitions, reading clubs, and
community service events. For example, U.S. funds supported four
public information service centers, one in the capital of Asmara
and three in other cities, that provide free Internet and
library resources. Such programming has enabled the
dissemination of information on a wide range of issues inclusive