Brussels, 20/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 19 December, the European Commission adopted a new aid package worth €160.4 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territory in 2012. “We have made a special effort both to mobilise extra funds from this year's budget and to front-load those from next year to respond to the difficult financial situation both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) face in providing vital services to the Palestinian people”, stated Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Füle.
Two thirds of the funding will go to the Palestinian Authority to help it cover wages and pensions for essential civilian workers (particularly medical and teaching staff) and social allowances for vulnerable Palestinian families. The funding will also cover arrears of bills by the Palestinian Authority to the private sector for medical supplies. “This decision … consolidates our support to the Palestinian Authority's institution-building programme and contributes to the ability of the PA to provide essential public services”, stated High Representative Catherine Ashton.
The remaining third, €55.4 million, will be allocated to the core budget/general fund of the UNRWA which provides basic health, education and social services for a Palestinian refugee population of five million people both in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in neighbouring states. (CG/transl.rt)