EU, PNA sign deal to develop West Bank area

The European Union (EU) and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Wednesday signed an agreement worth 3.5 million euros to develop areas (C) in the West Bank.

The PNA Premier Rami Hamdallah and the EU official Michael Collier, who is in charge of cooperation between the EU and other countries, signed the agreement at the unity government headquarters in Ramallah.

Hamdallah said at the signing ceremony that his government is interested in area (C) in the West Bank and concerned in developing infrastructure of the populated areas there.

A statement issued by Hamdallah's office said the Palestinian premier briefed the EU official over the political developments and his government's plans to reconstruct the Gaza Strip.

"Our goals are to back our people living in devastated areas in area (C) in the West Bank, backing the process of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip and empowering our people steadfastness in Jerusalem," the statement quoted Hamdallah as saying.

According to Oslo accords signed between Israel and the Palestinians in 1993, Israel divided the West Bank into area (A) which is under the full Palestinian control, area (B) under joint Israeli-Palestinian control and area (C) under full Israeli security control.

Area (C) is populated with Palestinians and represents 60 percent of the West Bank, while Israel fully controls the area and builds up several settlements. The Palestinians want the area to be under their control in the future.

After signing the agreement, Hamdallah headed to the Gaza Strip for a three-day visit, where he will meet with leaders of Palestinian factions, including Hamas movement. Endit