EU countries resume aid to Abbas' new emergency government

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Western states resume aid to Abbas' new emergency government

Date: 20 / 06 / 2007 Time: 10:10

Bethlehem – Ma'an –

Following the dissolution of the unity government and the dismissal of the democratically-elected Hamas Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, the western world has begun to resume financial support to the Palestinians.

After the election to power of Hamas in January 2006, a crippling international aid embargo was imposed on the Palestinian government which prevented the Palestinian leaders from enacting their duties towards the population.

Even with the establishment of the multi-factional unity government many powerful states (EU-US) refused to resume aid to the Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday eradicated basic Palestinian laws in order to compose an emergency government, comprising non-Hamas ministers. The new Hamas-free government has been deemed acceptable to several western states and financial aid has been pledged to the government.

In the wake of the new emergency government and the exclusion of Hamas, the European Union held a meeting in Luxembourg on the 18th of June in which they decided to resume support to the Palestinians.

The foreign ministers of EU member states gathered to discuss the prevailing situation in the Middle East and decided it was important to support what they are describing as the 'Fateh government' led by Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad.

The EU at the same time reiterated that the criteria that Hamas must meet in order to open dialogue remain the same as before. The movement must renounce violence, recognise Israel and commit to the terms of President Bush's 'road map' for peace.

Supporting 'moderates', isolating Hamas

Similarly, the United States lifted its aid embargo on the Palestinian government on Monday 18th June. The US seeks to bolster support for the more 'moderate' Abbas, whilst isolating the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

The decision followed talks between President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert. Olmert, equally, has declared that he is willing to cooperate with Abbas' emergency government.

Reuters quoted US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, as saying the UN would "resume full assistance to the Palestinian government and normal government-to-government contacts."

Rice has initially pledged $40 million to the Palestinians. According to Reuters, Rice said, "We will not leave one and a half million Palestinians at the mercy of terrorist organizations."

Rice has said that despite corruption charges in the Fateh movement in the past, she trusts Fayyad to ensure that the aid is appropriately allocated.

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