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Bush allots $20 million to Palestinian Authority; Aid intended for paying debts, freeing up money for election.(NATION)
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The Washington Times
- Article date:
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December 9, 2004
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Washington Times LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Bill Sammon, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
President Bush has approved $20 million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, less than a month after the death of leader Yasser Arafat, to help Palestinians elect a successor.
"They are in a serious financial situation right now," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan. "We're sending the message with this financial assistance that we want to help as they move forward on elections."
Mr. Bush waived congressional restrictions barring such direct aid, although he bowed to lawmakers' demands that the money not be earmarked for the Jan. 9 elections or the salaries of Palestinian officials. Instead, the money will ...