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 Gaza.”

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 Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza living alongside the State of Israel.”

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 Gaza. We will continue to provide fuel to generate 30% of Gaza's electricity and to provide cash social assistance to nearly 25.000 of Gaza's poorest families.

“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.”