BRUSSELS, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The European Commission announced Wednesday it would offer $319 million in aid to the Palestinian state to rebuild its war torn infrastructure.
"We will continue to be a major provider of political and financial support to the peace process," said External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
"It is essential that the Palestinian people see a concrete dividend of moves towards peace, and we will make funds available to help President Abbas deliver tangible improvements in his people's living conditions.
"We will also support the reforms and institution building necessary to build up the Palestinians' government capacity, and support the reconstruction of infrastructure and basic services."
The announcement to donate $319 million (240 million euros) came on the heels of a three-day meeting between Ferrero-Waldner and Israeli and Palestinian officials to discuss the future of European Union assistance to the area and after Israel and Palestine declared a cease-fire Tuesday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
