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EU pledges aid to rebuilding
Gaza infrastructure

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, February 14, 2005

LONDON – The European Union has pledged 240 million euro to the Palestinian Authority.

EU officials said the European Commission plans to allocate the money to rebuild the civilian infrastructure in PA areas. They said the focus would be the Gaza Strip.

"We will continue to be a major provider of political and financial support to the peace process," EC External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said on Wednesday. "It is essential that the Palestinian people see a concrete dividend of moves towards peace, and we will make funds available to help President Abbas deliver tangible improvements in his people's living conditions."

The EC announcement was issued in wake of a three-day meeting with Israeli and PA officials to discuss European assistance. The EU has sought to achieve a high profile role in Israeli-Palestinian efforts.

"We will also support the reforms and institution building necessary to build up the Palestinians' government capacity, and support the reconstruction of infrastructure and basic services," Ms. Ferrero-Waldner said.

The United States, which announced plans to donate $350 million, expressed satisfaction with the EU grant to the PA. The Bush administration has complained that Arab states, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council members, have failed to implement their pledges to help the PA.

"The Gulf States need to pay the pledges that they've made so that reconstruction can go forward," U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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