exstatic
12-09-2004, 09:42 AM
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Citing a "renewed opportunity for peace" in the Middle East, the Bush administration said Wednesday it will give $20 million directly to the Palestinian Authority.
Assistant Secretary of State William Burns made the announcement in Oslo, Norway, at a meeting of the Palestinian Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, a group representing various countries and organizations promoting Palestinian reforms.
Burns said the decision to give the money to the authority was made after the group fulfilled its promises for financial reform, and reflected U.S. "confidence" in the continuation of its reform program.
According to White House press secretary Scott McClellan, part of the money will be used to help pay debts to the Israeli government ahead of the Palestinians' upcoming January 9 elections.
The United States typically gives aid to the Palestinians through nongovernmental organizations and U.N. agencies due to concerns about corruption.
But the Bush administration began discussions with Congress about giving direct aid to the Palestinian Authority following the death of President Yasser Arafat last month.
Burns also announced the United States would provide $2.5 million in technical assistance for Palestinian presidential elections and another $1 million to fund international observers for those elections.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the next president of the Palestinian Authority, George W. Bush!
Assistant Secretary of State William Burns made the announcement in Oslo, Norway, at a meeting of the Palestinian Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, a group representing various countries and organizations promoting Palestinian reforms.
Burns said the decision to give the money to the authority was made after the group fulfilled its promises for financial reform, and reflected U.S. "confidence" in the continuation of its reform program.
According to White House press secretary Scott McClellan, part of the money will be used to help pay debts to the Israeli government ahead of the Palestinians' upcoming January 9 elections.
The United States typically gives aid to the Palestinians through nongovernmental organizations and U.N. agencies due to concerns about corruption.
But the Bush administration began discussions with Congress about giving direct aid to the Palestinian Authority following the death of President Yasser Arafat last month.
Burns also announced the United States would provide $2.5 million in technical assistance for Palestinian presidential elections and another $1 million to fund international observers for those elections.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the next president of the Palestinian Authority, George W. Bush!