Europe To Give $556 Million In Palestinian Aid
The EUs executive office says it will give 556 million US dollar in aid to the Palestinians in 2009, including support for rebuilding Gaza.
Donor countries pledged a total of 7,7 billion dollar to the Palestinians in late 2007, to be paid out over three years. The European Commission gave 620 million to the government of President Mahmoud Abbas in 2008.
“By offering a substantial aid package we confirm our generosity and commitment towards the Palestinians”, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement. The commissioner is to pledge the funds, for this year, at a donors conference in Egypt on Monday.
The money will be dedicated to humanitarian aid and early recovery of the Gaza Strip, the EU Commission said in a statement. Funds would also go to supporting the Palestinian Authority in implementing reforms and refugee programs.
The Palestinian Authority is seeking a total of 2,78 billion dollar in aid from donors at the conference in Egypt.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
