US Congress frees Up $40 million for Palestinians

The US State Department said Congress has released $40 million in aid to the Palestinians, part of the nearly $200 million that was frozen over their bid for full UN recognition.  "We have been working with Congress for some time, because we don't think it's in US national interests to keep this money frozen," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters.  "We will continue to work with Congress when they come back in session to secure additional funding for these programs, because we think they're important," Nuland said.  "We think they aid in stability and security and development for the Palestinian people. That's in our interest, it's in their interest and we believe it's also in Israel's interest," she added.  US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asked Congress in October to preserve the aid to the Palestinian Authority.