(New York Times) The Bush administration is considering increasing aid to the Palestinians and providing the first direct assistance to the PA, administration officials said Monday. An initial expenditure of $300 million is being considered by the CIA to help the PA deal with Hamas and other militant Palestinian groups. There were reports that $1 billion in aid to the PA was discussed, but most knowledgeable officials said such a large amount probably could not be absorbed by the authority at present. The PA already receives more than $1 billion a year from outside sources, principally from the EU and the Arab League, although that amount includes $200 million in American aid transmitted through the UN and independent relief organizations.
2003-07-01 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive