13/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - In Luxembourg, on Monday, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner briefed the Council on the state of progress in preparing for the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) decided by the Quartet to ensure that direct aid is maintained in favour of the Palestinian people, bypassing Hamas. The proposals developed by the Commission in a paper put to ministers on Monday (see EUROPE 9208) were “supported” by the Council, Ms Ferrero-Waldner told the press. She also stressed that the aim is for the TIM to begin working “as soon as possible”. On 15/16 June, the European Council will adopt a declaration on the Middle East in which it will be a matter of TIM. According to the draft text, the Twenty-five will agree that the international fund should mainly jointly finance essential supplies and the operating costs of social and health services, the provision of general services (including fuel) and social contributions in favour of the Palestinian population. Also, other donors including the Arab countries are expected to provide “a rapid and major contribution” to TIM financing. The EU, for its part, is willing to make a “substantial contribution”, the draft conclusions state.