The United States and the EU issued statements at almost the same time announcing the end of the political and financial siege that was imposed on the PNA government since the victory of Hamas Movement in the PLC elections. Both also announced the resumption of direct assistance to the new government. US Secretary of State Rice announced in Washington that the United States decided offering full economic assistance to the Palestinian government. She said a few minutes after the EU declaration on a similar decision in Brussels: The United States decided to lift the financial sanctions that were imposed 15 months ago on the Palestinians and decided to normalize economic and trade relations with the Palestinians. She pointed out that assistance reaching $86 million will be rescheduled; this amount was intended in the past to support the security forces under the control of President Abbas.

On its part, the EU announced its immediate resumption of normal relations with the PA, pointing out that it will develop financial assistance and practical emergency assistance to include an emergency financial assistance to the government and another assistance to support the Palestinian civil police through resuming the European program to support the police and also to resume the EU observers mission at Rafah and to exert intensive efforts to build the future institutions of the Palestinian state. The EU also renewed its call on Israel to release immediately the seized Palestinian funds.

In the meantime, Palestinian President Abbas affirmed to US President Bush yesterday that it is time to open the door for the political negotiations and give the Palestinian people hope. President Bush affirmed his support to Abbas policies, leadership and steps.

Israeli PM Olmert who is expected to meet with US President Bush today said the formation of a moderate Palestinian government can give a chance to return to negotiations in preparation for reaching a permanent peace agreement with Israel. Olmert said in New York that he is ready to conduct regular contacts with the Palestinian President for the sake of solving the daily life issues and to progress on the track of seeking solutions that can allow the solving of more important issues.

Israeli FM Livni announced yesterday that Israel is ready to pay to the new Palestinian government an amount of $600 million of the tax funds that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. She added that Israel will work with the President of the PA and PM Salam Fayyad to transfer those funds. Israel and Fayyad have to agree on the details and to hold a meeting to study the decisions but we don’t seek any excuses not to transfer the funds.

Published at Al Ayyam NewsPaper on June 19, 2007