EU grants immediate aid to Palestinians

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union agreed Monday to grant $145 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government led by the Islamic militant group Hamas takes power, a move aimed at preventing a financial collapse that could add to the chaos in the Middle East.

But the EU kept silent on what it would do once Hamas assumes control of the Palestinian government.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said the aid was required to avoid “economic chaos” from paralyzing the Palestinian Authority. It was also designed to show that European support for the Palestinians remains undiminished at least until Hamas establishes its control.

The EU’s decision was welcomed by the U.S. State Department.

“It is a sign that we are all working together,” spokesman Adam Ereli said in Washington. “We are all working together to prevent a collapse of the interim (Palestinian Authority) government and to support the Palestinian people.”

The Bush administration is due to announce shortly whether it will contribute to Palestinian projects.

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said the $145 million in aid will not change the EU demand that Hamas must “accept the principles of nonviolence, recognize Israel’s right to exist” and honor existing accords that the Palestinians and Israel have reached over the years.