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Article: Israel hobbling West Bank economy, says Tony Blair
- Article from:
- The Independent (London, England)
- Article date:
- August 28, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Independent - London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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ISRAELS delaying tactics over the launch of a new Palestinian
mobile phone network could deal a substantial blow to the West
Bank's economy, Tony Blair warned yesterday in his capacity as the
international community's Middle East envoy.
Wataniya Mobile, based in Qatar, has been preparing for the
launch of Palestine's second mobile telecoms company since 2007,
with the second largest private investment in West Bank history,
amounting to $700m.
But the company is frustrated by Israel's continuing refusal to
release adequate frequencies and is threatening to close down its
operation next month, seeking the return from the Palestinian
Authority of its $140m licensing fee.
"This would be a ...