RAMALLAH, January 25, 2012 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Tuesday stressed the need to intensify efforts to ensure that donor countries meet their financial obligations toward the Palestinian Authority to help it overcome its financial crisis, according to statement issued by Fayyad's office.

He made these comments in a meeting with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who started Tuesday a three-day visit to the region in a bid to turn the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli talks into real negotiations.

Fayyad, who briefed Ashton on the latest political development in the Palestinian Territory, also discussed the financial crisis facing the PA caused by shortage of funds and a projected budget deficit.

Fayyad stressed the need to unequivocally compel Israel not to withhold the Palestinian tax revenues, stop its continued violations of international law against Palestinians particularly in East Jerusalem and Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control, including demolition of houses, settlers’ attacks on Palestinians and their property and on holy sites.

He also stressed the need to compel Israel to stop its policies hindering PA development efforts in Area C in order to build the infrastructure of state institutions.

Fayyad affirmed the need to focus the aid on development projects to enable the PA to implement these projects in East Jerusalem, Area C, as well as in the Gaza Strip, which requires lifting the Israeli siege.

T.R./M.S.