LONDOND, October 1, 2011 (WAFA) - US Congress blocked nearly $200m in aid for the Palestinian Authority, threatening projects such as food aid, health care, and support for efforts to build a functioning state, Saturday reported the British newspaper The Independent.
The daily interpreted the decision as to counter US President Barack Obama’s wishes and to reflect congressional anger at Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ application for full United Nations membership of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, as well as in retaliation for the Palestinian reconciliation agreement between Fatah-Hamas signed in May.
The freezing of the funds falls under congressional leaders' threats of an even wider halt to funding in the coming year if Abbas continues with his pursuit of UN membership. Annual US aid is estimated at $600million.
R.Q./M.S.
