Wolfensohn is in town
Photo: AP
Wolfensohn arrives in Israel
Economic coordinator to hold series of meetings with Israeli, Palestinian officials; expected to address disengagement, Palestinian economy
JERUSALEM - James D. Wolfensohn, the Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement, has arrived in Jerusalem for a six-day visit.
The visit follows the strong statement of support given Friday by Group of Eight leaders to Wolfensohn's initiative for an aid package to the Palestinian Authority.
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At the G8 conclusion, British Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged to offer aid to the tune of up to USD 3 billion a year, for three years from 2006-2008, aimed at revitalizing the Palestinian economy in the aftermath of the upcoming Gaza Strip and northern West Bank withdrawal.
During his stay, Wolfensohn will hold a series of meetings with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, focused on six key coordination issues: border crossings and trade corridors; connection of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank; movement in the West Bank; sea and air ports in the Gaza strip; settlement houses; and settlement greenhouses.
In addition, Wolfensohn is expected to work with the Palestinian Authority on planning three key economic and development issues: resolution of the PA fiscal crisis and a new PA social safety net program; a package of rapid-impact initiatives aimed at alleviating Palestinian unemployment, to follow immediately upon disengagement; and a three year financial plan for Palestinian development
