EU to debate Palestinian funding

THE EU will debate whether it can continue funding the Palestinian Authority at a meeting of Foreign Ministers on Monday.

Hamas is on the EU’s terror list although links have been maintained with some civil groups associated with the organisation.

For the past decade the EU has virtually underwritten the West Bank and Gaza strip and last year contributed around €500 million.

The United States, which sends millions of dollars to the Palestinians every year, is considering a freeze on funds.

The prime ministers of France and Austria were adamant yesterday that the new government must recognise Israel and renounce all violence.

Continued funding would depend on Europe having a partner that it could trust, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel said.

“It is up to President Abbas to appoint a government willing to recognise these principles.”

French Prime Minister Dominique De Villepin said it was important for Europe to stick to its principles so peace could be taken forward in the Middle East.

Before the Palestinian elections, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the EU would stop funding if Hamas joined the government.

Mr Solana will represent the EU at a meeting of the Quartet - the EU, US, UN and Russia - in London on Monday to discuss the situation. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and US Secretary of State Condoleezza will also attend.