Ramallah, 14-05-07: The PNA Spokesperson Minister of Information Dr. Barghouthi held a press conference to brief journalists on the outcome of the weekly PNA cabinet meeting.
Dr. Barghouthi told media reporters that the meeting was solely dedicated to three issues; the political, security and financial issues.
As for the security issue, Dr. Barghouthi expressed government’s deep sorrow over the violence and clashes taking place in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that the government shall exercise zero tolerance to security chaos and added that the government shall attack all those involved in lawlessness incidences and crimes.
Dr. Barghouthi revealed that the government has accepted the resignation of Interior Minister and delegated his responsibilities to PM Haniyyeh. The Minister of Information also revealed that a decision was taken, in agreement with President Abbas, to deploy joint forces from all security services under a joint command center headed by PM Haniyyeh.
In response to a question on how would the new measures would succeed, Dr. Barghouthi told journalists to watch for achievements on the ground and appealed for public support by all factions and trade unions to facilitate for the success of plans to realize security and to break the siege. Dr. Barghouthi called on trade unions and syndicates to put off planned strikes to pave the way for implementing government’s plans to normalize life in the Palestinian territories within two months. Dr. Barghouthi also disclosed that a meeting shall be held tonight between the ministers in the West Bank and President Abbas to that effect.
Dr. Barghouthi called on all media stations and outlets to observe neutrality and to desist from any incitement form whatsoever, warning that the government shall promptly act against any such incitement. The Spokesperson called for the public to join hands with the government in combating security chaos and to participate in commemorating the 59th Nakbah (Catastrophe) Day and to make it a turning point for averting any additional catastrophes that might befall the Palestinian people because of the current infighting.
On the financial issue, Dr. Barghouthi revealed that Minister of Finance has reported to the cabinet on his Arab tour and efforts to end the financial embargo against the Palestinian people. Dr. Barghouthi told journalists that several Arab governments have pledged more support to the Palestinians, and this includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Qatar that has decided to accelerate the transfer of additional urgent financial aid, US $ 22 million, to support the payment of salaries to the Palestinian teachers. He also added that Egypt has pledged additional 10 million Egyptian Pounds besides the regular financial assistance to the PNA, and promised full transparency in managing these funds.
Dr. Barghouthi reminded that regardless of any external assistance, the financial crisis can’t be resolved without pressuring Israel to release the withheld Palestinian tax revenues (which mount to 800 million US Dollars) that can cover payment for outstanding salaries for employees.
At the end of the conference, Dr. Barghouthi expressed appreciation to the US and EU boycott to the Israeli celebrations of the anniversary of annexing occupied Jerusalem and reminded that Israel has allocated huge amounts of money to settlement expansion and decided to build additional 20,000 settlement units in the occupied city.
Dr. Barghouthi reiterated government’s determination to success and expressed optimism for ending the current crisis in the Palestinian territories.