U.S. ambassador: We won't punish Palestinians

According to U.S. ambassador in Israel, U.S. government will remain committed to President Bush's vision of a two-state solution. Humanitarian aid will grow by 57 percent to USD 245 million a year

Reuters | Published: 04.11.06, 18:36

American's ambassador to Israel said that his country would increase aid to the Palestinian people to meet their humanitarian needs.

He said that the United States remains committed to the vision of President Bush for a two-state solution. At the same time, the U.S.'s aspires to supply the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. In accordance with those principles, it will increase its humanitarian aid, to help the Palestinian people, said American Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones, during a conversation with journalists in Tel Aviv.

According to the ambassador, the basic humanitarian aid and in general the aid given to the health, food, and education needs will grow by 57 percent to the amount of USD 245 million a year. The U.S. will give USD 42 cmillion in order to strengthen the civil society and independent Palestinian institutions. The aid will be transferred through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and through local non-governmental associations.

Ambassador Jones added that due to the fact that the Hamas government did not accept the principles of the Quartet and has refused to say it would refrain from violence, recognize Israel, and respect agreements signed between the sides – the U.S. has suspended aid for the Palestinian government and its ministers.

The new Palestinian government must take responsibility for the consequences of its policies. The way back to the Road Map is clear, the acceptance of the three principles of the Quartet. If the government accepts these principles or if a new government comes to power that accepts them, we will renew the aid to the Palestinian Authority, promised the ambassador.