Donor Conference on Reconstructing Gaza
13 October 2014 News
Minister Daniel Mitov participated in a Donor Conference on Reconstructing Gaza, held in Cairo on 12 October 2014 on the initiative of Egypt and Norway. The forum is aimed at raising funds for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and sending a clear political signal for the need of progress towards lasting peace between Palestine and Israel. Co-chairs of the conference are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, Foreign Ministers of Italy, France, Japan and Jordan, as well as the Middle East Quartet representative Tony Blair and the Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil Elarabi.
The forum participants agreed that there is a certain fatigue among donor countries and financial institutions due to the frequent need for such events as a result of destructive situation in Gaza. To overcome this vicious circle and to properly use the funds raised at the Cairo conference, there is a need for a clear policy framework for negotiations with specific time frames, as well as lifting of the Gaza blockade. An additional condition for recovery is the proper functioning of the government of national unity within Gaza and the West Bank territories. All participants agreed that there is no alternative to the two-state principle for achieving a lasting peace. They called on all the parties to the conflict to strictly implement the stated commitments.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Daniel Mitov highlighted the importance of joint Palestinian governance of Gaza and the West Bank territories, which would represent a major step forward in the context of the Middle East peace process. He called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations in order to reach a final and lasting solution based on the principle of two independent states. As for the current situation in Gaza, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister expressed hope that the funds raised will be spent efficiently, and emphasized that Palestinian government’s monitoring mechanism is essential. Bulgaria will contribute to the restoration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
