U.S. preparing $3 billion in aid for post-pullout development of Gaza

[Colorado Blue]

WASHINGTON - The United States is putting together a $3 billion international aid package for the Gaza Strip after Israeli withdrawal, according to a report in Friday's edition of The New York Times. The money, which the U.S. hopes to raise from the G-8 countries, will be invested in various projects in the Gaza Strip to improve quality of life and bring economic recovery to the area.

The Quartet's special envoy for disengagement, James Wolfensohn, is reportedly developing the projects, among them the upgrading of the border facilities with Israel, to allow faster crossing of goods, the establishment of a new port in the Gaza Strip, and infrastructure and housing projects.

Wolfensohn's attempts to get the Israelis and Palestinians to agree to an orderly transfer of buildings and greenhouses in the settlements to be evacuated are said to have met with only partial success. Sources said Wolfensohn hopes U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be able put pressure on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to reach an agreement on this matter during her visit.

The U.S. administration hopes that Wolfensohn will be able to present the projects at the G-8 meeting next month, when he will ask the member countries to join the U.S. in contributing the money.

Wolfensohn, former president of the World Bank, is now focusing most of his coordination efforts on economic recovery programs for the Gaza Strip after Israel's withdrawal.


http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/589375.html

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. But not one dollar more...

or one intelligent plan more for health care.

What priorities.

[Colorado Blue]

2. We need some seriously creative leaders right now. nt

[drdon326]

3. $ 3 friggin billion dollars !!!!!!

To whom ?? ....Abu Mazen?... The PA?...that terror supporting impotent organization?


Perhaps to hamas now that theyre DEFACTO organization in charge?


What a pathetic ROI .