JERUSALEM - James D. Wolfensohn, the Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement, has arrived in Jerusalem for a six-day visit.
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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.
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
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