EU underlines support to PA to pay civil servants in Gaza

BRUSSELS, June 16 (KUNA) -- The EU Council of Ministers in a statement Monday welcomed the report of the EU Court of Auditors published on 11 December 2013 on EU Direct Financial Support to the Palestinian Authority through the PEGASE mechanism.
The Council welcomed in particular the Court's Conclusion that the European Commission and the EU foreign service, known as EEAS , have succeeded in implementing direct financial support in spite of difficult circumstances, that the financial procedures put in place are robust and that there is no evidence of corruption, mismanagement or diversion of funds.
It underlined that "it is politically important to continue supporting the Palestinian Authority's decision to pay its workers in the Gaza Strip as a key element of maintaining the PA's presence in Gaza and the unity of a future State of Palestine." EEAS and the European Commission services have agreed to enter into discussions with the PA to find a solution that would take into account the concerns of the Court while allowing the PA to continue supporting its employees in Gaza, it noted.
The Council agreed that, in line with the EU's objectives in the Middle East Peace Process, PEGASE has fulfilled the aim of making a tangible contribution to the preparation of a two-state solution.
The Council also notes the Court's conclusion that some aspects of the PEGASE mechanism need to be reviewed to ensure its sustainability.
In considering the Court's observations, the Council stressed the importance of recognising the complex and difficult political circumstances of the EU's co-operation with the Palestinian Authority including the context of Israeli occupation, the fact that the PA does not yet have the powers of a state government and that part of the occupied Palestinian territory, the Gaza Strip, is run by de facto authorities with which the EU has no political relation.
The Council said it has taken note of the recommendations of the Court and acknowledged that the majority of the Court's recommendations are already being implemented. (end) nk.ibi