Jerusalem, 27 August 1996
FINANCE MINISTER MERIDOR MEETS WITH PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OFFICIAL
RESPONSIBLE FOR ECONOMICS AND TRADE
(Communicated by GPO Economics Desk)
Finance Minister Dan Meridor met on Tuesday, August 27, 1996, with Maher
el-Masdi, who is responsible for economics and trade in the Palestinian
Authority. This first meeting between them took place at the Finance
Ministry and was described by Meridor as "a very good meeting, held in a
positive atmosphere".
During the meeting, it was agreed that the Israel-Palestinian Authority
Joint Economic Committee (created by the parties in the April 1994 Paris
Economic Accords) would convene on a monthly basis. In addition to the
regular monthly JEC meetings, the parties agreed to hold further meetings
on an as-needed basis. Working procedures for the Committee were also
agreed upon.
Finance Minister Meridor announced that the JEC will convene prior to the
Donor Countries' meeting, scheduled for September 5, 1996 in Washington
D.C., in order for the Israelis and Palestinians to formulate a joint
program to present to the donor countries. "It is our hope that we will
reach agreement on many issues, in order to show the donor countries that
we are ready for them to do their part," Meridor stated.
The parties also raised general economic issues during the meeting. It was
agreed that future meetings of the JEC would focus on particular issues of
concern, such as the relationship between security and economics, the
movement of workers and merchandies between the Israel and the PA, and the
economic development and prosperity of the areas under Palestinian
Authority control. "This is the common interest of both sides," said
Meridor. "It is not a zero-sum situation."
Meridor commented that Israel is willing to discuss all issues relating to
the economic development of the areas under Palestinian Authority control
"in good faith." "We need open borders. Everyone will profit from free
trade," he stated.
In response to a question, Mr. el-Masri said that the Palestinian
Authority has received approximately $200 million, or only 20% of what was
promised by the donor countries for this year.
Meridor, in response to a question, said that as far as he knows, the
Cairo Economic Conference is still scheduled for November, and that it is
in Egypt's interests to hold the regional economic conference.