The US Embassy in Accra has denied suggestions that its latest policy linking human rights and aid is targeted at countries that are against homosexuality. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton announced the Obama administration will henceforth use the supply of aid as well as diplomacy as a tool to improve gay and lesbian rights around the world. This has been linked to a similar threat from the UK which says countries that fail to respect gay rights will be denied aid. The threat has prompted fears that Ghana could lose out on US financial assistance such as the Millennium Challenge Compact which gave Ghana $547 million over the last five years. But the Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy here in Accra, Jeanne Clarke says the policy is being misunderstood. She told Joy News in an interview on Thursday that the US believes a country that respects the rights of its citizens is more peaceful and well respected by other countries. She said it is therefore in the interest of the National Security to protect the rights and interests of citizens. According to her, there are specific criteria for qualifying for specific support programmes, which may generally require that countries show commitment to promote economic freedom, control corruption, respect human rights and sustain natural resources among others.