Monday, May 27, 2013

Kerry announces $4 billion economic development proposal for West Bank

Secretary of State John Kerry announced a 4 billion dollar plan to stimulate the economic areas around the West Bank. He believes that peace talks have been stalled by the lack of economic development. The money is coming from the private sector, and Kerry has spent the last six weeks recruiting corporate investment. Improving lives and expectations for Palestinians is the key objective for building an independent Palestine and peace with neighboring Israel. The money will focus on jobs and tourism, lowering the unemployment rate which currently stands at 21%. Kerry has made re-initiating peace talks between Palestine and Israel his main objective and it looks as though this plan may make some headway, although the Palestinian side said it would not accept economic rehabilitation in the place of an independent state. Israeli-imposed economic restrictions has constrained sustainable growth in Palestine, and key economic players on both sides are calling for change.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/kerry-says-us-drone-program-strict-fair/2013/05/26/80058422-c615-11e2-9cd9-3b9a22a4000a_story_1.html

Jill Laumbacher

No comments: