EU confirms freeze on aid to PA
Here's a surprise: the EU has actually frozen all of its aid to the 'Palestinians.' Let's see how long this lasts....European Union foreign ministers on Monday endorsed a freeze of EU aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government, but said they would seek alternative ways of providing money for humanitarian projects, Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot said.
"There will be no aid to (Hamas) government organizations, but we will maintain humanitarian aid," said Bot, adding the EU will see how to help Palestinians with their utility bills and other issues of basic needs.
"The Palestinian people have opted for this government, so they will have to bear the consequences," said Bot as he left an EU foreign ministers meeting. [Wow! What a concept! Accountability! CiJ]
Earlier, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Europe continues to "stand by the Palestinian people."It will continue to provide money for electricity, food, education and other projects, so "their basic human needs will be met in the future," She added.
...
The EU's executive Commission last Friday suspended direct aid — crucial budgetary funding typically used for road-building and other infrastructure projects and to meet the Palestinian Authority's payroll.
"It is right we attach consequences to the fact the Palestinian government is not responding to our expectations" that it commit to peace with Israel, said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Monday the EU had "responsibilities not to see the Palestinian people suffer."
"But so, too, does the Hamas government," Straw said, "because democracy carries with it responsibilities ... not to go in for violence as a way of resolving arguments.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:39 PM
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