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U.S. Commitment to the Palestinian People As President George W. Bush noted in his November 27 speech at Annapolis , the United States is firmly committed to supporting the Israelis and Palestinians with the resources and resolve of the American government as they work to realize peace. Indeed, the United States is the largest single contributor to the Palestinian people. Working with international donors and Quartet Representative Tony Blair, the United States is strengthening our support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) Government led by President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Together we will help the Palestinians build the economic and institutional capacity that will serve as the foundation for a stable and prosperous Palestinian state. In support of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP) and with the approval of Congress, the United States intends to provide over $550 million to the Palestinian people and the PA in FY 2008, including $150 million in budget support for the Palestinian Authority. Our contribution also includes assistance for development projects and for security sector reform activities to bolster security in the West Bank as outlined in the PRDP. The United States will also ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable in Palestinian society are met by continuing our humanitarian assistance through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other international organizations. To support private sector development in the West Bank and Gaza , in 2007 the United States has taken additional steps to support an OPIC program that will help generate $228 million in lending to Palestinian small and medium enterprises, and launching a U.S.-Palestinian Public-Private Partnership. This public-private sector initiative will support the development of economic and educational opportunities for Palestinian youth and help to foster business opportunities in the West Bank . Through USAID and UNRWA, the United States has provided over $1.8 billion to the Palestinian people since 2002. This includes over $1 billion in bilateral economic and development assistance, as well as nearly $800 million in contributions to UNRWA's General Fund and annual Emergency Appeals. In 2007, the United States provided:
U.S. Economic Support Funds (ESF) Appropriated for West Bank/Gaza (USD in millions):
U.S. Contributions to UNRWA (USD in millions):
U.S. P.L. 480, Title II Food Aid to West Bank/ Gaza (USD in millions)
#2007/1144 Released on December 18, 2007 |
Country: United States of America
Subject: Assistance, Economic issues, Refugees and displaced persons, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 18/12/2007