Tal
London, Ad Hoc Liaison Committee 2 maj 2008
Gunilla Carlsson, Biståndsminister
Anförande av biståndsminister Gunilla Carlsson vid AHLC-mötet i London den 2 maj om stödet till palestinierna
Let me start by thanking you, Mr Chairman, for the invitation to this important meeting.
As a long-standing major donor to the Palestinian people and to Palestinian state-building, Sweden supports strengthened donor coordination and appreciates participation in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC). The role of the AHLC is further strengthened by the presence here in London of major donors.
As we have heard today, sustainable international support is of vital importance for Prime Minister Fayyad's ability to implement the reform and development plan, which has our wholehearted support.
As Minister for International Development Cooperation, I am fully aware that ambitious reform and massive assistance alone cannot bring about lasting progress. A dramatically improved situation of access and movement on the ground is necessary in the Palestinian territories - in the West Bank and Gaza - as the political process intensifies, aimed at reaching a peace agreement before the end of this year. Freedom of movement would further increase the quality of our development efforts.
The ability to freely travel and trade cannot be over-emphasised. It is key to economic progress and to progress on the path towards peace. It also makes it easier for people to get to know each other and recognise each others' needs.
The alarming situation in Gaza must be addressed in that context. It is essential that all parties involved fully respect the humanitarian imperative and, without exception, guarantee unimpeded access to Gaza, so that aid can reach the distressed civilian population. Sweden supports efforts underway to broker a political solution that can end the human suffering and foster moderation to reverse growing extremism. A political solution would also break the worrying trend of the ever-increasing costs of emergency assistance and replace it by robust development cooperation to restore the economy and nourish the vision of a better tomorrow.
Mr Chairman, I would like to express the hope that the important project in Beit Lahia is given our full attention. All outstanding issues, including guaranteed access for companies to the waste water treatment plant, must be solved as quickly as possible. Let us work together to avoid the looming humanitarian and environmental disaster!
And let me conclude, full engagement by all partners and tangible steps forward in the peace process will strengthen our resolve to assist.
Thank you!
