Saudi Arabia to contribute $20 million to PA each month
Published yesterday (updated) 19/01/2013 22:46
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=557478

RIYADH (Ma'an) -- Saudi Arabia will contribute $20 million each month to the
Palestinian Authority, while Israel continues to withhold Palestinian tax
revenues, a Saudi official said Saturday.

The Kingdom's envoy to the Arab League, Ahmad Qattan, told Saudi daily
al-Wafd newspaper that the country had originally decided to give $14
million monthly, but has now raised the contributions.

The Arab League last year pledged to cover $100 million in monthly expenses
to the PA, when Israel seized tax revenues in the aftermath of the UN vote
for Palestinian statehood.

Most members have still to pay, but PA premier Salam Fayyad said Thursday he
sees signs the financial crisis will be solved next month.

Saudi Arabia also contributed $100 million to the PA earlier this month,
shortly after which the government made partial payments to its employees.

Civil servants have carried out periodic strike action over months of
delayed salary payments.