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News Release
For Immediate Release NCCAR Welcomes Additional $24.5 Million in Canadian Aid to Palestinians Ottawa, September 15, 2005 – The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) applauds Prime Minister Paul Martin's announcement of an additional $24.5 million in aid to help strengthen the capacity of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and improve the lives of the Palestinian people. “This gesture builds on Canada's previous commitment of $12.5 million to Palestinians made in May 2005,” said NCCAR President Hussein Amery. “This increase in official development assistance will help Palestinians, particularly those trying to re-build their lives and communities in Gaza and the West Bank after almost four decades of Israeli occupation of their land.” Canada will assist Palestinians in three areas including security and safety, governance, economic development and private sector development. NCCAR has consistently urged the government of Prime Minister Martin to increase aid to Palestinians to build capacity, democratic structures and civil society. The Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency should be credited for actively engaging the Palestinian Authority, civil society organizations, international donors and Canadian stakeholders to come up with initiatives that contribute to responding to Palestinian needs. “Helping with reconstruction, particularly infrastructure and employment generation, strengthening Palestinian institutions and the promotion of good governance covers many areas of need,” added Mr. Amery. “We believe that this package is a positive one that will help and encourage Palestinians in their efforts at nation building, reform and a comprehensive peace.” NCCAR reiterates that the difficult living conditions facing Palestinians mainly stem from Israeli occupation of Palestinian land that contravenes international law. “Canada should also push diplomatically to build on the withdrawal of Israeli settlers and military from Gaza and some areas of the West Bank,” said Mr. Amery. “This means re-launching Quartet land-for-peace negotiations and the withdrawal of remaining Israeli settlers and military forces from the West Bank. This is what is necessary for a lasting peace and stability in the region.” Development assistance will be clearly beneficial in promoting peace. Canada has consistently been a major contributor of assistance to Palestinians, particularly refugees, and the Prime Minister is building on this tradition. NCCAR looks forward to working and supporting the Government of Canada in its humanitarian and development efforts to promote peace. -End-
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