Summary: 2 March 2009, Sharm-el-Sheikh - Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, "European Union Pledges Support for reconstruction of Gaza" at the International Conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza
Secretary-General,
President,
Ministers,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
War always produces immense human suffering. This war was no exception. Beyond its devastating impact it has overshadowed the prospects for peace and threatened regional stability.
But we will not give up on the Palestinian people. We will not give up on the quest for peace. We will not give up on the vision of a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza living alongside the State of Israel.
And we need partners on all sides who share our vision to join us.
A number of things need to happen urgently:
First, we need the immediate and unconditional opening of all crossings to Gaza. The Commission, and I personally, have pressed for this incessantly.
Second, we must seek guarantees to end the "destruction-reconstruction" cycle.
Third, reconstruction requires a durable ceasefire, as part of a peace process to which all parties are committed. There can be no lasting prosperity without peace, and no peace without partners who will take risks to achieve it. We need a return to substantive and comprehensive peace talks.
And regional partners have a key role to play. The Arab Peace Initiative remains the best solution on the table for bringing a long-awaited, and much needed, peace.
Fourth, the Palestinians must be reunited under a Government which strives to deliver security, freedom, justice and equality for its citizens and can be a reliable partner for the international community. We fully support Egyptian reconciliation efforts as a step towards this goal.
But our immediate task today is to respond to the situation in Gaza.
The Commission intends to play a major role not only in helping to meet immediate humanitarian needs, but also needs in the early recovery phase. Basic principles of humanitarian aid must prevail: impartiality, neutrality and independence. I therefore ask all parties to refrain from imposing their own definition and standards of humanitarian aid or attempt at controlling its flow and destination.
We provided €10 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the conflict and will soon be committing another €32 million specifically for Gaza.
Our early recovery efforts will aim to remove rubble and unexploded ordinance and to facilitate a return to normal life through a "cash for work" scheme and the repair of houses.
As in the last two years we will continue to provide the PA with funds to pay half of the salaries of its civilian employees in Gaza. We will continue to provide fuel to generate 30% of Gaza's electricity and to provide cash social assistance to nearly 25.000 of Gaza's poorest families.
Thereafter, we will need to consider long-term reconstruction priorities. I congratulate Prime Minister Fayyad for the Gaza Early Recovery Plan, and the UN who worked with us to help the PA produce it. It is well-done. It deserves support. Together we can deliver on it. Our support will follow this plan and reflect his priorities.
A major part of our assistance to Gaza is channelled through PEGASE. This mechanism meets the most stringent international aid monitoring and control standards. It has delivered - quickly and in full partnership with Prime Minister Fayyad more than €220 million to the people of Gaza in 2008 alone. We are ready to expand PEGASE to deliver more assistance, and you have a document which describes how.
I invite other donors to join the partnership between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority in delivering high quality, reliable and predictable assistance through PEGASE.
Which brings me to the question of donor burden sharing and the delivery on pledges. The EU and its Member States are by far, the biggest donor to Palestinians. In 2009, the European Commission alone will mobilise almost €440 million, more than half to Gaza.
But we need all donors to deliver on their promises - quickly, transparently and in support of the PA's plan. For our part, you can count on us that we will.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
The people of Europe have never let the people of Gaza down. Nor will they do so now.
Thank you.
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