Arab League pushes for more Palestinian economic development

Mon, 17 Jan 2011

Sharm el-Sharm, Egypt - The secretary general of the Arab League Monday urged Arab trade and economic ministers to focus on economic development in the Palestinian territories, among other inter-Arab projects.

Ministers from about 15 Arab countries gathered in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh resort to discuss joint infrastructure and development projects two days ahead of an economic summit.

"I received a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asking for a special proposal to support Jerusalem through economic cooperation and development projects," Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said at the opening session.

Ministers will follow up on projects launched at the first economic, development and social summit held in Kuwait in 2009, which centered on the situation in the Gaza Strip following a 22-day Israeli offensive.

Moussa urged transport ministers to focus on the implementation of marine, railway and land linkage projects, as well as connecting internet networks in the countries.

Providing better services "will push development rapidly" in several fields, including trade and media, Moussa added.

Political developments in Tunisia, Sudan and Lebanon are expected to dominate discussions during the ministerial meetings, as well as Wednesday's summit.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/362670,pushes-palestinian-economic-development.html.