NABLUS, September 14, 2010 (WAFA)- Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad and the European Union Representative, Mr. Christian Berger, today laid the first ceremonial stone to mark the start of the second phase in the construction of the €14.3 million Security Compound (Muqata'a) in Nablus, as part of the European contribution to security sector reform of the Palestinian Authority.

The construction of the Muqata'a Nablus is taking place in three phases. The first phase carried out preparatory infrastructural work on the site, including the demolition of the old prison and the construction of boundary and retaining walls as well as utility lines.

The second phase, ceremonially launched today by Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad and EU Representative Mr Christian Berger, includes the construction of seven buildings for the National Security Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the Governorate, the Prisoner Reform and Rehabilitation Centre, and the Palestinian Civil Police. This phase is scheduled to complete in August 2011.

The external works of the Muqata'a Nablus will be addressed in the final phase of the project, which aims to be ready in the first quarter of 2012.

This contribution represents the European Union's support to security sector reform of the Palestinian Authority. All designs for the buildings have been developed by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in close cooperation with the involved parties. EUPOL COPPS - the EU Mission supporting the Palestinian Police and rule of law sector - assisted in the design reviews for the Prison Reform and Rehabilitation Centre.

The central infrastructure of the Palestinian Civil Police and other actors in the security sector is a prerequisite for the continued and enhanced provision of security and the rule of law by the Palestinian Authority to its population. The renewed focus on the establishment of a safe and secure environment as a key priority in the 13th government programme enhances the importance of this construction project as part of the overall reform and development of the broader rule of law sector.

The first stone laying was attended by PM Dr Salam Fayyad, EU Representative Mr Christian Berger, the Governor of Nablus Mr Jebrin Al-Bakri, EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission Mr Henrik Malmquist and Heads of the Palestinian Security Forces.

On his speech at the ceremony the EU Representative, Mr Christian Berger said 'The rule of law is a cornerstone for a future Palestinian state. The PA has made significant achievements in this sector in the previous year and today we mark an additional step with the onset of the construction of the Muqata'a in Nablus. This project is not just about buildings and constructions; it's a symbol of a new spirit – a spirit of commitment towards people, a spirit of determination and hope. The EU supported and will continue to support this fundamental sector towards statehood,