Palestinians have deficit of $1.4 billion after officials steal $2.7 billion in EU aid

The Commentator ^ | Oct. 17, 2013 | Michael Curtis

[idov]

Recent publications in the international mainstream media of reckless and dishonest management by Palestinian authorities of their economic affairs and their scandalized response to it recall the eye-opening surprise of the corrupt chief of police in the film Casablanca who was "shocked" to find that gambling was going on in the room that he frequented.

The media, print and television, suddenly revealed what even journalists of the New York Times must surely have known for years: that the Palestinian authorities are corrupt and inefficient, and that large sums of money given to them and their leaders are missing.

The immediate reason for the disclosure stems from the leaking of the main contents of a report soon to be publicly released by the European Court of Auditors. This body was established in 1975 by the European Union to monitor the income and spending of money given by it in foreign aid.

The new 2013 report of the Court reveals that $2.7 billion in direct aid to the Palestinians between 2008 and 2012 could not be accounted for and appeared to be lost. In addition, EU investigators who visited Jerusalem and areas on the West Bank were unable to obtain information or speak to Palestinian officials about corruption in the areas they controlled.

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, (PA), on October 11, 2013 once again laid blame on the "Israeli occupation" for the difficult economic situation of the Palestinians. The "occupation," he stated, was the central reason for the poor economic conditions in which the Palestinians find themselves.

This "occupation" exploited Palestinian resources and lands which directly led to an increase in deficit. In fact, the estimated budget deficit in 2013 is expected to be $1.4 billion.

[mountainlion]

Don’t Muslims cut off hands for stealing?

[Celtic Conservative]

Sounds like "Palestine" is being run like Detroit. Perhaps we should hire an emergency manager for "palestine"? any ideas?

CC

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Sounds like the Obama regime. Gee, he does have something in common with the Moslems.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Don’t Muslims cut off hands for stealing?

For petty theft, yes. But Imams and rulers seem to get a pass. Mad Mo died with both hands attached.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks idov.

EU investigators who visited Jerusalem and areas on the West Bank were unable to obtain information or speak to Palestinian officials about corruption in the areas they controlled. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, (PA), on October 11, 2013 once again laid blame on the "Israeli occupation" for the difficult economic situation of the Palestinians. The "occupation," he stated, was the central reason for the poor economic conditions in which the Palestinians find themselves.