Palestinian PM calls for Arab help to offset Israel holding back tax revenues.

Text of report by Palestinian presidency-controlled news agency Wafa website

["Fayyad Calls On Arab Countries To Expedite Offering Financial Support to the PNA" - WAFA News Agency headline]

Ramallah, 2 May (WAFA) - Palestinian [National] Authority [PNA] Prime Minister Dr Salam Fayyad has called on the Arab countries to expedite the provision of financial support to the PNA to assist it in fulfilling its obligations.

Fayyad said in a press conference held at the cabinet's headquarters in Ramallah today: "We are unable to fulfil our obligations, which are not only limited to the salaries of civil servants; therefore, we need additional support." He added: "I call on our Arab brothers in these hard times to help us immediately because our institutions are currently in a very critical position and are beginning to collapse."

Regarding the aid provided by Arab countries to the PNA, Fayyad noted that there is a considerable decrease in the amount in 2010, amounting to $236 million, compared to $446 million in 2008, and $461 million in 2009. He pointed out that the PNA has received so far $50 million from the aid granted by the Arabs.

Fayyad stressed the need for various world countries to move immediately and pressure Israel to promptly release the Palestinian financial dues, thanking the …