AUCKLAND. May 4: Developing nations today criticised (he Asian Development Bank's (ADB, dwindling loan volumes and sought reforms in lending •conditions, as the fate of the Bank's’shrinking concessional window remained uncertain, reports AFP.

On the second day of the Bank's three-day annual meeting here, developing countries appealed (hat loan conditions, resulting, from the ADB's focus on project quality rather then quantity, should also lake into

consideration Asias diverse cultures and political systems.

An expected public clash with the United States over the fate of the controversial Aslan Development Fund (ADF) was averted after US Assistant Treasury Secretary Jeffrey Shalkcr pledged Washington's support for the fund.

However, he said it was up to the Republican-son trolled US Congress to approve the budget. He added that talks to replenish the fund, which runs out in l‘'uij. were still uncer-

tain even il it was informally agreed to here earlier this week to start negotiations later this year.

"We will make a very solid effort to make the US Congress realise that it is good for the United States to remain engaged in Asia." he told a news conference here.

The delay in US payments of over 400 million dollars in commitments has prompted other key donors to hedge on their contributions.