Netherlands Hikes Contributions to ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA

On 30 Jan, the Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation, Bert Koenders, announced in the Hague significant increases in contributions to ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA: support for the General Fund will rise from 11,8 to 15 million Euros; the Emergency Appeal will be supported with 1.5 million Euros.

These announcements were made on the occasion of the official visit to the Netherlands of ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd.

Mr. Koenders expressed his admiration for ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's work an was briefed extensively on all aspects of ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's operations including emergency activities and major projects, such as the Neirab Camp Improvement Project in Syria.

In a conversation with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, the issue of access was discussed. Minister Verhagen briefed the Commissioner-General on the efforts that the Netherlands is undertaking so that the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel can re-open: "Access requires security on the other side. The Netherlands will support plans for effective border control."

Karen AbuZayd thanked the Netherlands. She said, "±¬ÁÏÍøRWA has benefited greatly from Dutch support both in financial terms and through its close involvement in the Agency's work."