Brussels, 03/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Czech foreign minister and president-in-office of the EU, Karel Schwarzenberg, EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner took part in the international conference on the reconstruction of Gaza in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, on 2 March.
The EU has announced €436 million in aid, the US $900 million and the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) have decided to create a specific fund of $1.6 million. Palestinians are counting on $2.8 billion. The result “exceeds our expectations” said Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egypt's Foreign Minister. Italy has suggested a “Marshall Plan” for Palestine and is offering €100 million. Germany is proposing €150 million, France €25 million and the UK $45 million. The Palestinian Authority is responsible for aid management. Several heads of state and representatives of international organisations, in particular the UN and the Arab League, have underlined the link between reconstruction and the need to take the peace process forward. Lifting the Gaza blockade and inter-Palestinian reconciliation are among the conditions set for ensuring international aid. A meeting of the Quartet was held on the sidelines of the summit to discuss conditions for putting the peace process back on track. (F.B./transl.jl)