RAMALLAH, May 9, 2011 (WAFA) - Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, Monday signed a financial grant with the French general consul, Frédéric Desagneaux at the cabinet which provides the Palestinian Authority (PA) 10 million Euros.

Fayyad thanked the French government and said “this aid helps PA after Israel blocked the transfer of  tax revenues; which disabled the PA from fulfilling its responsibilities, especially in paying employees’ salaries.”

He added “this  French rapid response is a clear positive and supportive stance of the PA, particularly in helping us move forward towards statehood.”

The consul considered “ signing this financial grant, is a sign of trust between the two countries. We are eager to help build the Palestinian institutions and infrastructure. We would like friendly countries of  Palestine to follow our path.”

The French consul also said that France is working on the political dynamics; resuming negotiations between PA and Israel.

Concerning the delayed salaries, Fayyad said 'there will be no salaries until Israel releases the PA's tax revenues, or if the PA receives an equal amount of the withheld revenues.

“Israel must release the PA’s tax revenues, even if PA gets international aid; because it is our money and not a gift or charity from Israel,' He added.

The French aid will be in the PA’s bank accounts by the end of this week, and will partially help the PA to fulfill its responsibilities.

M.N./F.R.