GAZA, June 14, 2011 (WAFA) - President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, Monday called for ending the Israeli siege on Gaza, during a visit to the Strip.

“After what I witnessed, ending the siege on Gaza is very important. It is difficult to implement real development or offer education, and it is impossible for people to feel free under the siege,” said Buzek.

He said the European Union (EU) will sign an agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within the next few weeks to enhance the humanitarian situation in Gaza and prevent cutbacks in UNRWA services in the Strip.

Buzek supported the Palestinians’ right of an independent state but called on them to avoid unilateral actions and resume negotiations.

In a related matter, UNRWA Commissioner-General, Filippo Grandi, said the agency will not cut back any of its programs in Gaza. He said that “there is a real financial crisis and we are talking with the donors to increase their donations and bypass the crisis.”

 R.Q./F.J.