France adds 10 million euros to 2011 aid

The French consul general in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority have signed an agreement on budgetary aid under which France will contribute a further €10 million, officials said Monday. The increase will bring France's budgetary support for 2011 to €20 million, French authorities in Jerusalem announced Monday after the signing. The decision "reflects France’s support for the reforms being carried out by the Palestinian Authority, while the latter finds itself in a particularly difficult budgetary situation," a statement said. It also reflects confidence in the PA's efforts to build and reform institutions, "as well as in the capacity of Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Salam Fayyad, to manage international assistance."