RAMALLAH, July 6, 2010 (WAFA)-The European Union Representative, Mr. Christian Berger, today handed over 48 vehicles (44 Volkswagen Caddies and 4 Volkswagen Passats) to the Palestinian Civil Police worth a total of € 5 million.
Represents the European Union's support of the security sector reform of the Palestinian Authority and its commitment to the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) Development Plan. It is a donation in line with the specifications elaborated by the PCP for their vehicle fleet strategy and is part of a total EU project providing vehicles and communication equipments. The contribution is based on the needs and development plan of the PCP upon advice of the EUPOL COPPS mission.
Berger said,“By improving the PCP’s capacity to travel quickly and safely to public disturbances, these cars will assist the Police in safeguarding law and order in the West Bank in line with international standards.” he added, “ This will contribute to the marked improvement in the capability and responsiveness of the PCP and of the maintenance of law and order in the West Bank over the past few years, thus further contributing to the stable foundations required for a Palestinian State.”
Berger noted that 'the Palestinian Civil Police has shown itself to be an increasingly professional police force, able to serve the community in difficult circumstances. The EU is and will continue to support the Palestinian police in building an effective police force able to uphold the rule of law, one of the cornerstones of a democratic society, and deliver a high quality service to the Palestinian people.'
The EU is the largest donor to the Palestinian Authority. EU funds help with both recurrent expenditures and longer term investment and development programs, in line with the PA's priorities outlined in the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.
The Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) service was created in 1994 and is responsible for policing in the Palestinian urban centers in the West Bank. The service has endured ongoing funding and equipment shortages almost since inception. Despite this, the PCP continues to perform its civil responsibilities, largely due to the motivation of its skilled officers.
