BRUSSELS, April 12 (UPI) -- After listening to pleas for aid from the Palestinian finance minister, a European Union official said the EU's policy has not changed.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU external affairs minister, said the union will continue to provide humanitarian aid through the temporary international mechanism, the EU Observer reported. The TIM bypasses the Palestinian Authority government.
"I made it clear that possible re-engagement does not mean resuming payments overnight," Ferrero-Waldner said in Brussels Wednesday after meeting Palestinian Finance Minister Salaam Fayyad.
The United States and European Union began an economic boycott of the authority after Hamas won a parliamentary majority. The recently formed unity government has so far refused demands to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel's right to exist.
Fayyad told Ferrero-Waldner the authority needs at least 1 billion euros ($1.35 billion) to avert catastrophe this year.
