Palestine, refugees: aid to the countries in the Near East 2002-2005, 11th EC/UNRWA Convention

PURPOSE : Conclusion of a new convention between the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) concerning aid to refugees in the countries in the Near East for 2002-2005. CONTENT : The tenth Convention concluded with the UNRWA expired on 31/12/01. The current crisis in the Middle Easqt has put an additional burden on UNRWA, which contributes to facilitating access to basic social services, reduciton of poverty and an improvement of refugees living standards. Community assistance to UNRWA is an important element in stabilising the situation in the Middle East and furthermore forms part of the campaign against poverty in developing countries. It therefore contributes to the sustainable economic and social development of the population and the host countries where Palestinian refugees live. An eleventh Convention is therfore concluded for four years. The Community contribution will not exceed EUR 55 million in 2002, EUR 57.5 million in 2003 and EUR 60,637,500 in 2004 and EUR 63,669,375 in 2005. Other Community resources can also be mobilised for UNRWA's food aid programme to meet the specific needs of vulnerable groups. The amounts and quantities and all other conditions related to supporting the food aid programme will be subject to separatley agreed conditions. If it is the case that any of the functions of UNRWA is passed to the Palestinian Authority during the period 2002-2005, adjustments will be made in the Community contribution to UNRWA under the Convention.�