The European Commission renews its assistance for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The European Commission has adopted a new assistance package for the Occupied Palestinian Territory for 2012 amounting to €160.4 million.

Two thirds of this will go to the Palestinian Authority to help it cover wages and pensions for essential civilian workers and social allowances for vulnerable Palestinian families. The funding will also cover arrears of bills by the Palestinian Authority to the private sector for medical supplies. The remaining amount of €55.4 million will be allocated to the core budget/ general fund of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, said: "This decision highlights our commitment to the Palestinian people. It consolidates our support to the Palestinian Authority's institution-building programme and contributes to the ability of the PA to provide essential public services. Today’s decision also underlines our support to Palestine refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency."

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