Consul General Walles Announces More than $1.3 million in Immediate U.S. Assistance to Nablus
Consul General Jake Walles congratulated Prime Minister Fayyad and his government for their recent steps to improve the daily life of the people of Nablus and said the U.S. would be immediately implementing more than $1.3 million worth of projects in Nablus. Walles made these remarks during an event at the Nablus Court that included speeches by Prime Minister Fayyad and Governor Jamal Muhaysin. A number of PA ministers attended the event, along with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Director Howard Sumka.
Walles told the audience he was pleased that recent actions by the PA have resulted in significant improvements on the streets of Nablus, the traditional commercial and economic engine of the northern West Bank. As a result of these actions, Walles said, the U.S. is now in a position to inaugurate a number of new projects in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to improve the lives of the people of Nablus.
“The United States is committed to helping the Palestinian people achieve peace and security, and to build the institutions of a stable, free and prosperous Palestinian state living in peace with its neighbors,” Walles added. He looked forward to the Annapolis meeting, where, he said, the U.S. hopes to make progress on launching negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Walles quoted Secretary Rice, when he said “We believe that the time is now for the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
In their remarks, both the Prime Minister and the Governor thanked the U.S. for its continued support and for responding quickly to improvements in security in Nablus with projects to enhance the capabilities of PA institutions and to provide the citizens of Nablus improved services, as well as increased job opportunities and youth activities. Local Nablus community and business leaders attended the event, as well as the local implementers of the U.S. government funded projects.
The more than $1.3 million in U.S. government funds will support nine projects in and around Nablus. These projects will include the completion of a new girls’ school, assistance to Nablus social service facilities, the renovation and equipping of the Nablus Public Notary Office, clean-up of selected public schools around the city, implementation of a pilot after-school activity program for Nablus youth, creation of a Community Learning Center, youth enrichment activities, and renovation and equipping of the Ministry of Transportation offices.
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