Haniyeh's advisor assures that Hamas is ready to run Gaza's crossings professionally

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Date: 16 / 07 / 2007 Time: 15:54

Gaza - Ma'an -

An economic advisor to the deposed Palestinian prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, has asserted that Haniyeh's Gaza-based government is committed to all previous economic and commercial agreements signed with other Arab partners. He did not mention the multiple agreements the Palestinian Authority has signed with Israel.

In a press conference held in Gaza, the advisor, Alaa Al Araj, added that the government – referring to Haniyeh's deposed Hamas-led government – has the right to review these agreements as necessary in order to make suitable decisions in the interest of the Palestinian people.

He added that the Israeli occupation is "exaggerating the measures" against the Palestinian people in regard to the closure and the siege of the Gaza Strip, in addition to banning the entrance of raw materials into the strip which are needed for factories. Al Araj explained that such "exaggerated" measures cause paralysis of the industries and a delay in development projects.

Al Araj added that Haniyeh's Gaza-based government is ready to run the crossings by professional staff in what he described as "a transparent way," in order to guarantee the smooth flow of merchandise and people through the crossings.

Al Araj also confirmed that the presence of two governments, one in Ramallah and another in Gaza, created a contradictory situation in both financial and administrative affairs. The issuing of many contradictory decrees by the two governments is threatening the collapse of the structure of the state, and the whole national project, Al Araj warned.

Al Araj presented a vision to improve the current social and economic situation, based on the following:

1. Enhance the feeling of loyalty to the country. The people should carry out their duties properly and remain committed to the country and its ministries and departments.

2. Call on all local, Arab and international organizations to return to their work as per previously normal in all the Palestinian territories.

3. Urge the Palestinian Monetary Authority and all operating banks in the territories to carry out the role as they are supposed to do, properly, and to provide support for the local industries and the commercial sector.

4. The government should support and aid the private sector and urge this sector to participate in the running of the commercial crossings.

5. Urge the Palestinian Investment Fund to take the initiative in bearing the necessary responsibility towards the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, especially in the shadow of the siege imposed on the Palestinians.

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