QATAR TO GRANT P.A. $150 MILLION

Qatar, 29 Muharram 1435/3 December 2013 (MINA) – Palestinian Prime Minister in the occupied West Bank, Rami Hamdallah, stated that Qatar has promised to transfer $150 Million to the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) to help ease its sharp financial crises.

Hamdallah said he held extensive talks with Prince Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani, in Qatar, asked him to grant the P.A $150 Million, and said that the prince agreed to make the transfer, International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Hamdallah added that he hopes the transfer would be done as soon as possible, to enable the P.A perform its duties, pay salaries and provide services, especially since Qatar did not set a date for this transfer.

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The Prime Minister said that Palestine has many resources that could generate income, but the Israeli occupation, restrictions and violations, Israel’s illegitimate settlement activities and its apartheid Wall, are choking the Palestinian economy, and preventing any economic progress.

He further stated that Qatar also promised to ease restrictions imposed on employing Palestinians in the country.

Last September, Hamdallah said that the P.A. needs at least $150 Million by the end of this year in order to be able to function, and provide basic services.

Israel controls all border terminals leading to the West Bank, therefore, all exports or imports have to go through Israeli-controlled border terminals. Palestinians, leaving or entering the country, also end up paying fees to the Israeli Borders Authority.

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It is supposed to transfer approximately 500 Million New Israeli Shekels a month for taxes it collects on border terminals, but has repeatedly withheld the transfer to pressure the P.A into halting all international political moves, including submitting applications to join Unites Nations institutions.

Tel Aviv also deducts %3 each month in commissions for collecting the money as it refuses to grant the P.A access or control over border terminals.

The U.S also repeatedly withholds financial support to the P.A in the West Bank, to pressure it continue direct diplomatic talks with Tel Aviv, despite the escalating Israeli violations and settlement activities.(T/P014/E1)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)