Post by Moses on Dec 17, 2005 13:15:07 GMT -5
It looks like the Palestinians aren't going to get much needed funds-- Straw being in charge, money won't even be discussed until next May and then the bar will be even higher. "Palestinians haven't done enough.... yada yada yada..." The Brits are loving their neo-colonial role! Rule Britania!
Last update - 22:48 14/12/2005
Donors say more work needed on Palestinian economy
By Reuters
Global donors may hold a pledging conference by next May to raise funds for the West Bank and Gaza Strip if Palestinians push forward with economic reforms and improve governance, the donors said on Wednesday.
A meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee which coordinates aid to the Palestinians said more cash would depend on Israelis and Palestinians abiding by commitments made in a deal to open an international border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
"After consultations with the donor community and the parties, a pledging conference could be held before the end of May 2006," said Norway's Raymond Johansen who chaired the meeting in London.
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The donors said the Palestinian Authority had to continue to implement economic reforms and improve internal governance to create an attractive environment for private investors.
"With support from the international community, the Palestinian people have made significant progress over the past twelve months," said British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, representing the EU.
He said economic growth had increased, unemployment had fallen and the Palestinian Authority had taken steps to improve its governance structures.
"But more has to be done. The Palestinian Authority needs to deal with its fiscal crisis by maintaining strict budgetary discipline. The wage bill will need to be contained and revenues further enhanced," said Straw.
Donors also said the Palestinians had to do more to stem violence against Israel, disarm militant groups and improve security in Palestinian territories.
"In this context confronting terrorism and ensuring law and order is paramount," said the chair's summary of the meeting.
Donors also said Israel had to restore Palestinian access between Gaza and the West Bank, without which economic revival would be impossible.
Such link is seen as crucial to rebuilding the impoverished strip's ailing economy following Israel's September withdrawal after 38 years of occupation.
In what was widely viewed as a rare breakthrough in Middle East peacemaking, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice helped broker a deal last month that led to the opening of Gaza's border with Egypt under European monitoring.
The Committee said if both sides fulfilled their obligations, donors would respond.
"Donors need to continue providing high levels of financial support and, if the parties show commitment to decisive change, to increase their assistance levels even further," said the summary.
Last update - 22:48 14/12/2005
Donors say more work needed on Palestinian economy
By Reuters
Global donors may hold a pledging conference by next May to raise funds for the West Bank and Gaza Strip if Palestinians push forward with economic reforms and improve governance, the donors said on Wednesday.
A meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee which coordinates aid to the Palestinians said more cash would depend on Israelis and Palestinians abiding by commitments made in a deal to open an international border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
"After consultations with the donor community and the parties, a pledging conference could be held before the end of May 2006," said Norway's Raymond Johansen who chaired the meeting in London.
Advertisement
The donors said the Palestinian Authority had to continue to implement economic reforms and improve internal governance to create an attractive environment for private investors.
"With support from the international community, the Palestinian people have made significant progress over the past twelve months," said British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, representing the EU.
He said economic growth had increased, unemployment had fallen and the Palestinian Authority had taken steps to improve its governance structures.
"But more has to be done. The Palestinian Authority needs to deal with its fiscal crisis by maintaining strict budgetary discipline. The wage bill will need to be contained and revenues further enhanced," said Straw.
Donors also said the Palestinians had to do more to stem violence against Israel, disarm militant groups and improve security in Palestinian territories.
"In this context confronting terrorism and ensuring law and order is paramount," said the chair's summary of the meeting.
Donors also said Israel had to restore Palestinian access between Gaza and the West Bank, without which economic revival would be impossible.
Such link is seen as crucial to rebuilding the impoverished strip's ailing economy following Israel's September withdrawal after 38 years of occupation.
In what was widely viewed as a rare breakthrough in Middle East peacemaking, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice helped broker a deal last month that led to the opening of Gaza's border with Egypt under European monitoring.
The Committee said if both sides fulfilled their obligations, donors would respond.
"Donors need to continue providing high levels of financial support and, if the parties show commitment to decisive change, to increase their assistance levels even further," said the summary.