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The PA's Reform Plan: Difficulties and Political Implications

[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Mohammad Yaghi - The Palestinian Authority is still far from representing a compelling alternative to Hamas. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad continues to face significant political, economic, and security challenges to his reform plan. To make matters worse, the PA has received just $260 million out of the $7.7 billion pledged during the December international donors conference in Paris. Fayad reduced the number of civil service employees from 189,000 in mid-2007 to 150,000 by the end of the year. He is also requiring PA employees to bring proof that they have paid their utility bills in order to receive their monthly salaries. Non-collection of utility bills cost the PA more than $500 million in 2007. However, the civil servant syndicate - headed by Fatah - is protesting the utility payment requirement through a series of strikes. Fatah feels threatened by Fayad's attempts to exert control over public finances and the security services.
2008-03-18 01:00:00
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