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| Belgian ministry suspends aid projects to Palestinians
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Belgian minister of cooperation and development, Armand De Decker (L) with Nabil Shaat, Palestinian vice-prime minister in July 2005
Photo: MR
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A Belgian ministry decision to suspend two aid projects for the Palestinian Authority following the Hamas victory in last week’s Palestinian legislative elections has created concerns within the government.
Liberal Minister of cooperation and development Armand De Decker announced Monday that he had decided to suspend the two development projects until Hamas change its position towards Israel.
The aid included a 2.2 million euros electric power project in the West Bank and an economic aid project totalling 4 million euros which was part of reconstruction plan under the authority of former World Bank President James Wolfensohn’s fund.
“The minister was asked to put his signature for these new projects and he decided to suspend them. He wants to see if Hamas will renounce violence before going further,” Erik Silance, a spokesman for minister De Decker, told EJP
“They will not go ahead for the time being,” the ministry said.
However, the Belgian foreign ministry was apparently unaware of the decision, causing tension between the two ministries.
Renounce terrorism
Echoing the demands of the EU and US, De Decker warned Hamas that unless it renounces violence and recognises Israel aid would not be forthcoming.
“If the Hamas government does not officially renounce to terrorism and doesn’t recognize Israel’s right to live in security, we will end the cooperation with the Hamas Palestinian Authority,” De Decker declared in an interview with the Belgian daily “La Libre Belgique.”
“If Hamas doesn’t respect the Roadmap and doesn’t accept to peacefully negotiate with Israel and the Quartet, the international aid will stop,” he added.
“The choice is into Hamas’ hands. It is facing its responsibilities, this is maybe a chance for peace in the Middle East,” the minister said.
Commenting on the social welfare of Hamas which attracted voters, De Decker said: “Many Palestinians voted for change without wishing to see the violent character of Hamas. They now must convince Hamas to change its attitude,” he said.
PA confused, Belgian tension
 If the Hamas government does not officially renounce to terrorism and doesn’t recognize Israel’s right to live in security, we will end the cooperation with the Hamas Palestinian Authority
Armand De Decker | However, according to informed sources, the minister’s decision has not only been received with “incomprenhsion” by the Palestinian Authority, it has created tension within the Belgian government as it appears that the Belgian foreign ministry was not told about the plans.
A foreign ministry spokesman declined any comment and told EJP that “Belgium is following the EU’s position.”
Last Monday, EU foreign ministers decided to maintain the existing aid to the Palestinians and to wait until the formation of a new government led by Hamas.
According to La Libre Belgique, the two ministries held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
Ghassan Khatib, Palestinian minister responsible for planning in the current government, deplored the decision to suspend the projects. “It punishes the Palestinian population.”
“Better to have Hamas than a population lacking electricity,” he said. “The Belgian government should better wait and see the formation of the next Palestinian government,” he added.
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