August 25 EU pledges €60m for Gaza reconstruction

EU pledges €60m for Gaza reconstruction


The EU has welcomed Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank and pledged extra peace cash for Palestinians.

Over 15,000 Jewish settlers have been evicted from 21 enclaves in Gaza and four in the West Bank as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon seeks “disengagement” from conflict.

EU institutions have expressed strong support for “the close coordination and the restraint shown by Israelis and Palestinians which attest to the courage and commitment of both sides”.

European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomed Israel’s withdrawal from the disputed areas and announced new funding measures set for September.

“I am conscious, however, that this is only the beginning, and the challenges that lie ahead are immense,” she said in a statement.

“To address some of these challenges the commission is preparing a new financial package of €60 million to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen Palestinian institutions in the Gaza Strip.”

The European Commission is drawing up “a specific package to accompany disengagement” including funding for “customs administration, transport and energy supply, infrastructure and health and social services”.

The new cash will come on top of €20m to provide social support to refugees in the Gaza Strip, EU support to the Palestinians in 2005 “is expected to exceed €250 million”.

The UK EU presidency praised sides of the Middle East conflict for “commitment to overcome the difficult challenges they face”.

[The EU] welcomes, and urges the continuation of, the restraint shown by the majority of Israelis and Palestinians,” said a statement.

“The European Union believes that disengagement should be a significant step towards implementing the [peace process] Roadmap.

“It encourages both parties to continue their cooperation on the remaining steps to complete disengagement.”

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana is visiting the Middle East ahead of next week’s meeting of Europe’s foreign ministers.

Solana will be touring Gaza and the West Bank and holding talks with Sharon and the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

“In Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, talks will focus on the ongoing Israeli disengagement from Palestinian territory and on the Middle East peace process,” said a statement.

“The visit will underscore the EU's commitment to remain engaged and to do whatever it can, at the request of both parties, to be of further help in a spirit of friendship and partnership.”

The European Parliament has also welcomed the withdrawal.

“We welcome this process and call for further cooperation between the two sides in the period which lies ahead,” said Parliament President Josep Borrell.
Published: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 15:53:21 GMT+02
Author: Bruno Waterfield