Arafat Criticizes US Funding for Palestine
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat expressed anger and disappointment over the lack of financial support from the United States to aid the autonomous areas of Jericho and the Gaza Strip. During an interview with the Cable News Network, Arafat stated that unnamed U.S. officials were preventing the United States from donating a fair contribution to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the administration of the former occupied territories. Arafat alleged that the United States had given significantly more to Israel, with Israel receiving $185 million for airplanes and troop withdrawal, compared to the $5 million received by the PLO for its new police force.
Key Takeaways:
- Arafat accused unnamed U.S. officials of blocking further funding to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the administration of the autonomous areas of Jericho and the Gaza Strip.
- The PLO received $5 million for its new police force, while Israel received $185 million for airplanes and troop withdrawal.
- Arafat expressed anger and disappointment over the lack of financial support from the United States, citing the significant difference in funding between Israel and the PLO.
- Arafat emphasized his optimism about the peace process, despite the difficulties faced by the fledgling PLO administration.
- He expressed confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, stating that he was a man who respected his promises.
Statistics:
- $185 million: Amount of funding received by Israel for airplanes and troop withdrawal.
- $5 million: Amount of funding received by the PLO for its new police force.
- 27 years: Length of Arafat's absence from the Gaza Strip before his recent visit.
- 70,000: Number of euphoric Gaza City residents who gathered to see Arafat speak upon his arrival.
Sources:
- [Cable News Network (CNN)]
LONDON, July 4