EU envoy to go to Jerusalem
A European Union envoy is the fly to Jerusalem to explain a recent aid plan for the Palestinians, who have been without aid since Hamas took power due to the US and EU cutting off aid. The Quartet, consisting of the EU, US, the UN, and Russia, agreed to release aid funds. Funds will not be transferred to Hamas but directly to the Palestinians and local organisations. The EU and US consider Hamas a terrorist organisation.
The Quartet, made up of the US, the EU, the UN and Russia, announced that they would back an EU proposal to provide support for local health services, guarantee fuel supplies and provide for the basic needs of poor Palestinians.
The Quartet will review its plan after three months
The EU’s External Relations Commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, will lay out the mechanism agreed in separate meetings with Mr Olmert and Mr Abbas.
“Parts one and two of the mechanism will be launched immediately, with the aim of making payments to individuals by early July,” Ms Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.
The Quartet has said it hopes Israel and other international donors will consider participating in the scheme.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said Israel would not comment on the aid plan until it was formally presented by Ms Ferrero-Waldner.
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Administrator @ June 19, 2006