JABALYA, April 30, 2007, (WAFA)-Mayor of Jabalya Municipality, Issa Daher said Monday that the difficult economic situation in the Palestinian territories led to the suspension of the municipal operating income and its inability to pay the salaries of employees and workers.

In a statement, Daher said the continuation of the situation as it is under the aggravation of the suffering will lead to a complete breakdown of services, especially if the Municipality carried out an open strike, which could lead to serious environmental catastrophe affecting all aspects of society and local bodies.

He noted that the failure of many citizens paying their obligations, as a result of worsening economic conditions, will lead to the suspension of operating revenues, which are the Municipality primary source to cover staff salaries and municipal workers.

The Mayor called for rapid intervention to save municipalities and assist them in finding ways to get them of the fiscal deficit.

M.H.(14:30 P)(11:30 GMT)