Israel Matzav

Euroweenies Beg to Be Allowed to Aid 'Palestinians'

The Palestinian territories could survive without aid from the European Union and would find funding elsewhere if necessary, the German press reported the Palestinian finance minister designate as saying.

If the EU makes good on recent threats to suspend funding to the Palestinian territories "the consequences will be serious but not catastrophic", minister designate Omar Abdul Razeq told the Financial Times Deutschland.

"We can also survive without them," added the Hamas official, who was named on Sunday as part of a cabinet dominated by members of the militant Islamic group that won resounding victory in the Palestinian election in January.

Razeq, who was until recently in Israeli detention, said the Palestinians could turn to other possible sources of funding, including the Arab states. They were also ready to accept aid from Iran, he said, adding: "I see no problem with this as long as it is not tied to conditions."

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday urged the European Union to continue its financial aid despite Hamas's victory in the January 25 parliamentary election, PA officials said.

The appeal was made during a meeting between Abbas and EU Middle East special envoy Marc Otte, the officials added, noting that the talks were "positive and constructive." They said the two reviewed the latest developments in light of the formation of a new Hamas cabinet and Israel's raid on the Jericho prison last week.

In a statement following the meeting, Otte said plans for future work were set, pointing out that the EU would not stop supporting the Palestinian people and would remain their real partner. The EU has sent urgent aid to the PA worth 120 million Euros to meet urgent humanitarian needs, he said.

Otte also said that the EU would not halt humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, adding that the EU was looking forward to a full partnership with the Palestinians. He added that the EU was examining the policy of the new cabinet.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:50 PM