Monitoring Desk
RAMALLAH: Palestinians have enhanced ties with the EU after a visit by Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh to Brussels this week, a top official said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on the European Union for political support to reserve the two-state solution, reconsider cooperation agreements with Israel, and boycott goods made in Israeli settlements.
Arab news reported that the EU will also grant the Palestinian Authority $325 million in aid, including social assistance for low-income families, infrastructure projects and support for the UN Relief and Works Agency.
EU and Palestinians
Abdul Rahim Al-Farra, Palestinian envoy to the EU, said that an aid agreement will be inked next week in Ramallah.
He said that political dialogue and consultations had begun at the ministerial level, saying that measures had been taken to “conclude a complete partnership deal between the two sides.”
Al-Farra said that the EU officials have denounced the violations taking place in Palestine, dismissed the punitive steps imposed on the Palestinian Authority (PA) by Israel, and called for a more active role that goes beyond statements.
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Political adviser at the Palestinian Foreign Ministry Ahmad Al-Deek said that they (Palestinians) are calling on the European Union to strengthen economic and political support for them and become a key player in launching a peace process to finish the Israeli occupation.
He said that talks are underway with the EU to obtain additional EU support for the PA’s budget.
