Palestinian Authority worries about economic losses
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, November 6, 2000
RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority is concerned over the economic
losses of its revolt against Israel.
PA officials are warning that the PA is losing millions of dollars daily
in revenues meant for Palestinian institutions controlled by Chairman Yasser
Arafat. They said this includes a blockade on fuel and other commodities to
the PA as well as a ban on Palestinian workers in Israel.
'The persistence of Israel's policy of siege and starvation against the
Palestinians will only lead to more violence and hostility in the region,"
PA Economic Minister Maher Masri said. "The economy is continuing to
decline. Activity has practically stopped completely."
Masri asserted that imports to the PA have been blocked and a shortage
of food has resulted. The minister assessed losses to the Palestinian
economy at $10 million daily.
The losses have sparked disputes within the PA leadership. Fatah leaders
are accusing PA officials of benefiting from the revolt. Leaflets
distributed throughout the West Bank accuse such Palestinians as PLO
Executive Committee secretary Mahmoud Abbas and PA security chief Jibril
Rajoub of being traitors and Israeli agents. Rajoub is said to control fuel
distribution in the West Bank.
Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti was also called a traitor in a leaflet
believed written by Rajoub aides.