§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to further the Middle East peace process through the targeting of(a) the UK's and (b) the EU's aid to the region. [34727]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe Department for International Development plans to continue a programme of high quality development projects in the West Bank and Gaza, which are designed to be supportive of the Middle East Peace Process. Our projects are targeted at reducing poverty, strengthening the private sector and building up the Palestinian Authority's (PA) administrative capacity. We will do what we can to help give a new impetus to the peace process.
The EC aid programme to the PA, which is due to expire in 1998, has helped the Peace Process survive under very difficult circumstances. The UK will support its renewal which would demonstrate the EU's continuing commitment to the process. The programme is currently being evaluated by the European Commission and we will be seeking to ensure that lessons learned about quality and effectiveness are fully taken into account in the future.