Palestinians to Arab League: Show us the money

RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority is still awaiting the first installment of $1 billion pledged by the Arab League.

PA officials said Arab League members, with the exception of Saudi Arabia, has failed to honor their pledges made during the summit in Cairo in October. They said the issue will be raised on Wednesday when the league convenes in Tunis.

PA Finance Minister Mohammed Zohdi Nashashibi said the delay in Arab League aid has hurt the Palestinians. He said services have been cut and salaries have been unpaid.

PA Health Minister Riyad Zaanoun said hospitals are undergoing a shortage of medicine and equipment because of the mini-war and the Israeli siege on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Saudi officials said the kingdom has transferred another check of $1.2 million to a Palestinian fund controlled by PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. Several countries such as Kuwait had opposed sending funds directly to Arafat.

The issue might end up being decided by another Arab summit. Such a summit is being planned for March 26 in Amman and will discuss the Palestinian mini-war against Israel.