The development of a professional police force is essential to maintain order and fight terrorism. Multilateral efforts have made an important contribution toward this goal. The United States has donated hundreds of vehicles to the police. Spain, Russia, and Japan have offered other equipment or housing. Egypt and Jordan have provided training, and Norway, Saudi Arabia, and others have funded police salaries.
Public health is also a top priority.
Complementing the efforts of other donors to improve Palestinian medical services, the United States has just delivered a large package of equipment and supplies for use in health facilities in the West Bank. Finally, we must support next spring's Palestinian elections and the development of democratic institutions in the West Bank and Gaza. We applaud the EU's leadership role in organizing election monitors. In all of these efforts to help the Palestinians, the broader our international coalition, the better. All of us face constraints.