Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., July 10, 2008 Tamuz 7, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:57 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

EU, Blair: Checkpoints, Gaza blockade hinder Palestinian aid effort By Reuters The European Union, France and Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair yesterday criticized Israel's checkpoints in the West Bank and blockade of Gaza as preventing an economic recovery there and limiting the impact of international aid. An international donors' conference in December pledged more than $7 billion in aid to the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to try to reinforce its authority as it tries to negotiate a peace deal with Israel in U.S.-backed talks. Advertisement After a regular follow-up meeting Monday to monitor the aid effort, Blair, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the international effort's impact would be limited if Israel's roadblocks remained in place. "Restrictions by the government of Israel on Palestinian movement and access continue to weigh heavily on the economic outlook," the officials said in a statement issued overnight. "Without a significant lifting of such barriers in the West Bank ... any economic recovery will continue to be inhibited," they said. Bookmark to del.icio.us   By the numbers A study shows Jewish Israeli men live almost four years longer than Israeli Arabs. Local threat The Shin Bet arrests two Bedouin, accused of supplying information to al-Qaida.

Read & React Iran test fires missiles said to be capable of striking Israel, U.S. Responses: 311 Editorial: Israel must protect Palestinians from Jewish violence Responses: 134 Two Israelis arrested for allegedly aiding al-Qaida Responses: 63 Deodorant maker apologizes for topless DJ, Haredim still angry Responses: 96 More Headlines 23:28 Family of Israeli Al-Qaida suspects: They're no terrorists 23:26 Border Police kills Hamas man trying to flee West Bank arrest 22:59 Talansky lands in Israel ahead of cross-examination in Olmert probe 00:51 Kadima agrees to mid-Sept. primary, but Olmert unlikely to run 21:58 Iran test fires missiles said to be capable of hitting Israel 22:44 Study: Israeli Jews live nearly 4 years longer than Israeli Arabs 23:35 Nazi hunters urge 'Dr. Death': Turn yourself in 23:01 Defense Ministry to PMO: Hurry and reinforce Gaza-area homes 23:24 Arab states ask UN Security Council to condemn West Bank settlements 22:25 Palestinian tries to topple West Bank barrier using bulldozer 20:44 Israeli gays shun condoms despite worrying rise in AIDS 23:37 Ex-president Katsav denied request for lavish office, luxury car 21:03 Teachers and parents: Schools must be made earthquake resistant 23:09 Two years after the Second Lebanon War, one soldier's recovery continues 19:23 South African rights group says harassed by settlers in Hebron Previous Editions Select Day 09 jul 08 jul 07 jul 06 jul 04 jul 03 jul 02 jul 01 jul 30 jun 29 jun 27 jun 26 jun

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