±¬ÁÏÍø

Jerusalem, 20 April 2007

Palestinian refugees: European Union Contributes €66 million to

±¬ÁÏÍøRWA’s General Fund for 2007

Mr. John Kjaer, head of the European Commission Technical Assistance Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (ECTAO), and Mr. Filippo Grandi, the Deputy Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, today signed a contribution agreement for €66 million at a ceremony in Qalandia camp, an increase of more than €1.5 million over the past year.

Today’s signing was the first instalment in an agreement made between the EU and ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA in which the EU pledged €264 million to support ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's General Fund 2007-2010. The funds will pay salaries for ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA’s teachers, doctors and social workers, enabling ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA to maintain delivery of essential services to Palestine refugees. The EU’s continuing support to ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA is an essential element of the EU's strategy for the Middle East peace process.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Kjaer said: “The EU is highly sensitive to the plight of Palestine's refugees. We recognise that they are amongst the most vulnerable at this time of social and economic crisis. ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA has been at the forefront of efforts to help alleviate the daily hardships facing Palestine's refugees, and the EU is proud to support ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's work through this increased contribution. “

Mr. Grandi thanked the EU, saying: “±¬ÁÏÍøRWA’s efforts would not be possible without the on-going support of generous and committed donors. Therefore I would like to extend special appreciation to the European Community. The past year has been a period of great need throughout the Palestine refugee community, and the support you have shown today is a symbol of your interest and concern.”

Since 1971 the European Community has regularly supported ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA, becoming one of its largest donors. During the period 2003-2006, the European Commission provided €246 million to ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA’s General Fund. This financial support, when combined with contributions from individual EU Member States, represents more than half of ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's total budget.

Established in 1949, ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA today provides education, healthcare, social services, and emergency aid to 4.4 million Palestine refugees living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan.

It is the largest ±¬ÁÏÍø operation in the Middle East. ±¬ÁÏÍø General Assembly has repeatedly renewed ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA's mandate, most recently extending it until June 2008.

Additional information on the EU’s relations with the West Bank and Gaza at:

Alix de Mauny, Press and Information Manager

+ 972 2 541 5888

alix.de-mauny@ec.europa.eu

Additional information on ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA

Gina Benevento, Chief Public Information

+972 2 589072

g.benevento@unrwa.org