WAFA- The Palestinian state-building achievement is at increased risk, resulting from increased financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority and the continued absence of a credible political horizon for a negotiated solution, concluded the United Nations report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) of the donor countries, which will convene in Brussels on Wednesday.
The report, published Monday, states that in the last six months the Palestinian Authority (PA) has continued to realize progress in a range of different areas, including, for example, the capacity of the security forces in the West Bank and in the provision of basic services, and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of Palestinian society.
This deepening of institutional progress, the report observes, represents a further step forward in strengthening the institutions of a future Palestinian state.
However, the PA continues to face an immediate challenge in meeting its funding gap required to help the PA honor its obligations and avoid accruing further arrears.
“I am very worried about the dire financial situation of the Palestinian Authority as described by the IMF and the World Bank in their reports,” said Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.
“Our immediate priority must be to ensure that the Palestinian Authority is able to address its budget shortfall and I therefore call on donors to meet their commitments and also to front-load their contributions. I urge the speedy conclusion and implementation of technical agreements that will both strengthen revenue collection and minimize revenue leakage,” he said.
Beyond addressing the short-term financial crisis, the report also emphasizes the need for more far-reaching political progress.
“The achievements of the Palestinian Authority still represent the solid basis for a future Palestinian state and must be preserved,” it said.
“However, the prolonged absence of a credible political horizon as a result of the continuing failure by the parties to engage in meaningful negotiations is now beginning to undermine the viability of the Palestinian state-building effort,” added the report.
Similarly, the continued Palestinian divide and the unsustainable situation in Gaza, as highlighted once again in the recent upsurge of violence, represent fundamental challenges which must also be addressed.
“Progress that benefits Palestinians now is essential and the United Nations will continue to work with the parties and the international community to sustain and strengthen the achievements of the Palestinian Authority,” commented Serry.
The report identifies a number of measures that, if implemented in the immediate term, will make a tangible difference to the Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in Area C, East Jerusalem and in Gaza.
