Press Release: Aid to the Palestinians in 2004

This year, assistance to the Palestinians from the European Community Budget is set to amount to around €250 million. This includes a package for the West Bank and Gaza just approved by the European Commission for €124.25 million. Today's announcement will be followed by the immediate release of a first contribution of €26m to the new Public Financial Management Reform Trust Fund established by the World Bank. The West Bank and Gaza Strip continue to suffer from a severe economic recession. Income levels have dropped severely and the level of suffering is unprecedented. In response to this, the 2004 programme pursues two objectives: addressing urgent needs and contributing to the creation of a viable and democratic Palestinian state.

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/occupied_palestinian_territory/index_en.htm http://www.eeas.europa.eu/occupied_palestinian_territory/index_en.htm

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