The UK and
Palestinian National Authority (PNA) have agreed to a new approach
to tackling poverty in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)
in a drive to improve basic services and raise the standard of
living for tens of thousands of people.
The agreement will see the UK work with the PNA over the next two
years to strengthen state institutions, including government
Ministries and the civilian police, thereby building Palestinian
leaders’ ability to meet the needs of its own people.This
will include the development of key services such as health and education.
The new approach will allow the PNA to better plan for its
immediate, mid-term and longer-term needs, by giving upfront
confirmation of UK spending plans - comprising up to £82 million
in 2009-10 and up to £74 million in 2010-11.
The agreement also highlights the PNA’s commitment to embedding
the protection of Palestinian’s human rights in all institutions
and ensuring the PNA policies are aligned to international conventions.
Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad and the UK’s Secretary of State for
International Development, Douglas Alexander, signed the
partnership Memorandum of Understanding - the first of its kind
between the UK and PNA – which set out four objectives for a new
‘development partnership’:
reducing poverty in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories;respecting human rights and relevant international
obligations;strengthening financial management and accountability
of PNA institutions;ensuring that DFID funding and projects
support the Palestinians’ own development priorities
Prime Minister Fayyad said:
“This Memorandum of Understanding is important not only because
of the support it gives to the Palestinian National Authority, but
also because it sets a time frame for implementation of the PNA’s
own obligations. I hope to see other countries and donors proceed
with similar steps to help the PNA fulfil its obligations, and
also strengthen its ability to continue building Palestinian state
institutions across a range of sectors. Such steps also support
the Palestinian people to end the occupation and secure their
rights and independence, by building their own state up to the
1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“This support reflects the trust the British Government has in
the Palestinian government and its governmental program
‘Palestine: ending the occupation, establishing the state’. The
PNA is working tirelessly to continue building Palestinian
institutions according to international standards, providing
essential services for its citizens, and nourishing the
Palestinian economy. I thank the British government for their
support, and for the positive attitude the international community
is showing towards the PNA’s efforts to build a solid and reliable
state.”
Douglas Alexander said:
“The document that Prime Minister Fayyad and I have signed today
reflects the importance both parties attach to our development partnership.
“To enhance the prospects for peace in the region, it is vital
that we continue our joint efforts to build and maintain strong
Palestinian institutions capable of delivering high-quality
services to their people. The UK is committed to this task and our
support is making a real difference.”
Notes to Editors
More information on the Department for International
Development’s work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is
available at: www.dfid.gov.uk and the UK’s website in Jerusalem
and the Occupied Palestinian Territories at
http://ukinjerusalem.fco.gov.uk/en (English) or
http://ukinjerusalem.fco.gov.uk/ar (Arabic).
Contacts:
Chris Kiggell.
Phone: 020 70230504
c-kiggell@dfid.gov.uk