Minister Attili and Dr. Husseini Discuss the Union for the Mediterranean’s Water Projects

Ramallah – Minister Shaddad Attili, Head of the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) met in his office today with Dr. Rafiq Al Husseini, Deputy Secretariat General of the Union for the Mediterranean’s Water and Environment File.During the meeting they discussed the projects that would either be presented or supported by the PWA within the regional projects financed by the Union for the Mediterranean. They also discussed means of financing projects in light of the absence of the ratification of the Union for the Mediterranean’s water strategy. This absence resulted in a dispute between Arab Nations and Israel and also resulted in the failure of ratifying this strategy during the Ministerial meeting that was held in Barcelona this past year.

The Palestinian National Authority had previously submitted a strategic project; a desalination project in the Gaza Strip to the Union for the Mediterranean for approval. This project would require more than $300 million to complete. The PNA is striving to make this project a regional one in partnership with Egypt. Discussions are ongoing between both countries to achieve this.

It should be duly noted, that an important meeting will be held in the middle of the month (May) in Barcelona and will discuss a funding mechanism for projects. Palestine will participate in this meeting and will be represented by Eng. Yousef Awayes, the PWA’s General Director of the International Coordination Unit and Dr.. Motaz Abadi, PWA Advisor.