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Oslo, Feb 19, 2010 -- Norway has transferred NOK 240 million
to the Palestinian Authority (PA), in accordance with its
pledge made at the Paris Conference in December 2007. The
funds have been provided to support implementation of the
Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP). The support
will enable the PA to maintain the services available to the
Palestinian population in the areas of education, health and
safety.
“These funds will benefit the Palestinian people,
including the hard-pressed civilian population in Gaza,”
Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.
Norway was one of the first donor countries to transfer
funds for 2010. The budget support is being channelled
through the World Bank Palestinian Reform and Development
Plan Trust Fund (PRDP-TF). The Fund coordinates the
contributions from the various donors, and monitors their
use. As chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance
to the Palestinians (AHLC) and as a major donor, Norway
attaches great importance to ensuring that the use of the
money is strictly controlled.
“The budget support will be used in accordance with the
Palestinians’ own development and reform plans, as well as
the World Bank’s requirements. We are confident that the
funds will benefit the Palestinian people,” the Foreign
Minister commented.
The Palestinian Authority’s opportunities for generating
revenues of its own are limited. This situation has been
further exacerbated by the war in Gaza.
“If the Palestinian economy is to be viable, Israel must
lift restrictions on the free movement of goods, services
and people. Israel holds the key to an independent and
sustainable Palestinian economy,” Mr Støre said.
The Palestinian Authority faces serious financial
problems. This budget support will play an important role in
building the Palestinian people’s confidence in the PA.
“This support is also an expression of our faith in the
efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam
Fayad’s government to establish a democratic Palestinian
state,” Mr Støre said.
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