Donors must revive Palestinian economy to forge peace with Israel - Ban Ki-moon
Declaring that there are better grounds for optimism than at any time in the recent past for settling the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on international donors to
reduce the gap between the hopes raised by last month's re-launching of peace efforts and the dire situation in the
Palestinian territory.
"I repeat my call on donors to invest now, to invest generously, and to remain steadfast in their financial commitment
over the next 36 months," Mr. Ban told a Donors' Meeting in Paris to Support the Palestinian Authority, pledging that
the UN would do its share following last month's Middle East peace conference in Annapolis, United States.
"As with Annapolis, so here in Paris, success depends not on what we say today, but on what we do tomorrow. Our support
on the ground, no less than our political engagement, is vital to create an independent, viable State of Palestine,
living side by side in peace and security with Israel," he said.
Mr. Ban called on both Israel and the Palestinians to take the necessary measures to enable Palestinian economic growth,
urging Israel to ease closures that cripple the economy in the territory and the Palestinian Authority to continue to
enhance security. "Increased freedom of movement in a context of improved security is vital to build a platform for
peace," he stressed.
He noted that over the past seven years, the social and economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territory had
declined dramatically, with poverty and unemployment increasing at an alarming rate.
"I have made no secret of my concern for the 1.4 million people of Gaza who today are living under the most abhorrent
conditions. With few exceptions, all manner of legitimate trade with Gaza has come to a standstill, with devastating
effects on the economy and on family livelihoods. Access to essential services and utilities, like health, water and
energy, is becoming more uncertain each day," he said.
"Palestinian society has become more deeply divided, while the security of many Israelis has been directly threatened.
We have the opportunity today to take the initial steps that can reverse these troubling trends. And indeed, today I am
convinced we have better grounds for optimism than at any time in the recent past."
Israeli and Palestinian leaders have re-started bilateral discussions, showing "courage and resolve in maintaining this
dialogue in the face of extraordinary difficulties on the ground," and they have now set out to try to negotiate a peace
treaty in 2008, he noted.
Meanwhile Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad has prepared a programme for the next three years with investment and reform
priorities, ambitious but achievable targets, and the steps that Palestinians, Israelis and the international community
should take together to create the basis for a functioning state and economy.
"Indeed, we must move quickly now, because the process can succeed only if we overcome the gap between our diplomatic
efforts and the situation on the ground," Mr. Ban said, addressing both morning and afternoon sessions of the
conference.
"The international community must do its utmost to support the Palestinian Authority as it strives to tackle the immense
challenges ahead. In these tasks, the entire United Nations system is ready to cooperate closely with the Palestinian
Authority, and will continue to support the Palestinian people in their efforts to move forward."
While in Paris, Mr. Ban also attended a meeting of principals of the so-called diplomatic Quartet - the UN, European
Union, Russia and the United States - in which the group expressed concern over the announcement of new housing tenders
by Israel for Har Homa/Jabal abu Ghneim in the area of Jerusalem occupied by Israel since 1967.
The meeting, also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, top
European officials and former British Prime Minister and current Quartet representative Tony Blair, condemned the
continued rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and called for an immediate cessation of such attacks.
In a statement the Quartet, which is advocating the so-called Roadmap two-state solution endorsed at Annapolis with
Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, called on all sides to refrain from steps that undermine confidence,
and underscored the importance of avoiding any actions that could prejudice the outcome of permanent status
negotiations.
"The Quartet called on both parties to make progress on their Phase One Roadmap obligations, including an Israeli freeze
on settlements, removal of unauthorized outposts, and opening of East Jerusalem institutions, and Palestinian steps to
end violence, terrorism, and incitement," the statement added.
The group reaffirmed the importance of Palestinian economic growth, expressed strong support for Mr. Fayyad's programme,
welcomed the generous support of the international community at the donors' conference, and urged donors to maximize
their contributions.
ENDS