Iraq has recently announced its decision to provide Palestinian farmers with a $145,800 aid package, consisting of 2,500 tons of fertilizer and 50 tons of sulfur shipments. Head of the Palestinian Farmers Association Jabr Qadih stated that the Iraqi goods would be transferred to the besieged West Bank and Gaza Strip via Jordan, reported Al-Sharq Al-Awsat.
In December 2000, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein revealed plans to provide the Palestinian people with a $915 million aid package, under the oil-for-food program. Earlier this month, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri reiterated a call on the UN to agree to the plan.
According to a report of the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, total direct losses incurred by the Palestinian agricultural sector since late September 2000 have exceeded $285 million. —(Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
