BRUSSELS, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The European Commission announced the launch of a socio-economic aid package channeling international funds to the building of a Palestinian state.
The European Commission said in a statement Monday that the three-year program, called PEGASE, launches Feb.1 with the objective of funneling aid donations to "four key areas: governance, social development, economic and private sector development, and public infrastructure."
PEGASE builds on current measures intended to build the Palestinian infrastructure and emphasize EU support for a future state, the statement said.
"The European Union is strongly committed to support the Palestinian Authority's reform and development priorities aiming at boosting the economy and improving the life of all Palestinians," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy said.
The statement said funds support the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan outlined by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad at the Dec. 17 Paris Donor Conference.
