RAMALLAH, February 11, 2009 (WAFA)- Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the European Commission representative in Jerusalem Christian Berger,  singed Wednesday, an agreement which pledged €168 million to the budget of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) for the year 2009.

The PNA will use the money to cover the salaries of employees and retirees, and other social necessities. The money will also be used to provide public services, and guarantee fuel supply to Gaza Power Plant, to provide electricity to schools and hospitals.

Fayyad expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for the donation that appeared in a critical period in the life of Palestinians.

Regarding the blockade on Gaza, Berger called for opening the crossings between Israel and Gaza, for the Palestinian Monetary Authority to be able of guaranteeing proper work of Palestinian banks.

Despite the weekly fuel supply that Israel allows, the Gaza Power Plant is not able to save extra fuel for contingencies, Berger added.