Posted on 12/10/2003 12:58:59 PM PST by anotherview
Dec. 10, 2003
Burns: PA's Gaza bombing probe not showing results
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME
The US envoy to the Middle East criticized the Palestinian investigation into the deadly bombing of an American diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip, saying Wednesday the lack of progress has hindered efforts to deliver aid to the Palestinian people.
Three American security guards were killed in the Oct. 15 bombing. The diplomats in the convoy, escorted by Palestinian police, were heading to Gaza to interview Palestinian academics who were seeking Fulbright scholarships to teach or study in the United States.
The Palestinians announced seven arrests in the aftermath of the bombing, but have not detailed any additional developments since then.
"We are still waiting for results in that investigation," said the US envoy, William Burns. "Without progress, culminating in the arrest and conviction of those responsible, we simply cannot carry out our full range of assistance projects for the Palestinian people."
Burns made his comments at a gathering of the international donors that fund much of the Palestinian Authority budget. Speakers at the conference urged Israel and the Palestinians to make more progress toward resuming the peace process or risk losing international assistance.
Burns said international donors "must have confidence" that their personnel can carry out aid efforts in safety.
"It is fair for the Palestinian Authority to have high expectations of the donor community," he said. "But it is also fair for donors to have high expectations for the Palestinian leadership."
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