SHARM AL-SHEIKH, March 3, 2009 (WAFA)- Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy said, Monday, that the 'European Union Pledges Support for reconstruction of Gaza' at the International Conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza.
She stated that the EU “provided €10 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the conflict and will soon be committing another €32 million specifically for
Ferrero-Waldner added that this war has overshadowed the prospects for peace and threatened regional stability beyond its devastating impact. But, “we will not give up on the Palestinian people. We will not give up on the quest for peace. We will not give up on the vision of a
She also pledged that the EU will continue to provide the PA with funds to pay half of the salaries of its civilian employees in
“Thereafter,” she went on, “we will need to consider long-term reconstruction priorities. I congratulate Prime Minister Fayyad for the Gaza Early Recovery Plan, and the UN who worked with us to help the PA produce it. It is well-done. It deserves support. Together we can deliver on it. Our support will follow this plan and reflect his priorities.”