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Chirac Calls for Fund to Aid Palestinians
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=11FCFE1:3919ACA French president
says international assistance must be maintained for both humane and
technical reasons



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French President Jacques Chirac looks on during a joint address with
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, unseen, at the Elysee PalaceFrench
President Jacques Chirac called Friday for a special World Bank fund
to be created to channel international assistance to the Palestinians.
Mr. Chirac held talks in Paris with Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas.

As he has done before, President Chirac said it was essential that
international aid to the Palestinian people continue.

In remarks to reporters at the Elysee presidential palace, Mr. Chirac
said international assistance must be maintained for both humane and
technical reasons. He said he would reiterate his plea to the European
Union and to other members of the international community.

The European Union is the leading donor in the Palestinian
territories, contributing about $650 million a year.

But like the United States, the EU has suspended direct aid to the
Palestinian territories, until the ruling Hamas party recognizes
Israel, renounces violence and backs the Middle East peace process.
However, European humanitarian assistance continues to be channeled to
the region indirectly.





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French President Jacques Chirac, right, with Palestinian leader
Mahmoud Abbas, April 28, 2006  During talks with Palestinian leader
Mahmoud Abbas Friday, Mr. Chirac proposed creating an account managed
by the World Bank that could directly pay the salaries of Palestinian
civil servants. Many Palestinians have at least one family member
employed in the government and are feeling the bite of the reduced
assistance.

And because Palestinian security forces also await payment, the impact
may increase tensions in an already volatile region.

President Abbas, who has been touring Europe to plead the Palestinian
cause, echoed his appeal in Paris.

Mr. Abbas described the assistance, including that for civil servant
salaries, as essential. Without aid, he said, the Palestinians faced
catastrophe.


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