[Reuters] Adam Entous - The EU on Tuesday played down prospects of a swift resumption of direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, saying the policies and actions of a unity government would be assessed over time. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, at the start of a visit to Israel, said the new PA government should "respond" to the demands of the Quartet to abide by Israeli-Palestinian pacts, recognize Israel, and renounce violence. "We will judge this government by its actions," she added. European officials and Western diplomats said the EU's review would take time and a temporary aid mechanism, which bypasses the Hamas-led government, would remain in place. Saudi Arabia has made clear that its promised aid would be earmarked for infrastructure and development projects, and not directly support the new government.
2007-02-28 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive