RAMALLAH, December 21, 2011 (WAFA) - The French Development Agency (FDA) and the Palestinian Authority Wednesday signed a 6 million euros grant agreement to support the Municipal Development Program of the Municipal Development & Lending Fund (MDLF).

Minister of Planning, Ali Jarbawi, and FDA director in Jerusalem, Hervé Conan, signed the grant agreement in the presence of the French Consul General in Jerusalem, Frederic Desagneaux.

Jarbawi stressed in a press conference after signing the agreement the importance of MDLF in raising the efficiency of local government and services provided to the people.

Desagneaux said that the French government will continue its political and financial support to PA to build state institutions, pointing to France’s support to Palestinian membership in UNESCO, considering it a natural step on the way to establishing a Palestinian state and ending occupation.

He also addressed the importance of lifting Israeli obstacles put in the way of the Palestinian economy by honoring signed agreements and understandings.

R.Q./M.S.