natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The impressive 9% growth of the Palestinian economy last year was mainly confined to the non-tradable sector and primarily donor driven, thus raising serious doubts about its sustainability.
The impressive 9% growth of the Palestinian economy last year was mainly confined to the non-tradable sector and primarily donor driven, thus raising serious doubts about its sustainability.
Lower-than-expected donor aid in 2010 required the Palestinian Authority to resort to borrowing from commercial banks.
Lower-than-expected donor aid in 2010 required the Palestinian Authority to resort to borrowing from commercial banks.
This was the case even as the steady decline in budget deficits continued apace.
This was the case even as the steady decline in budget deficits continued apace.
Through effective financial reforms and prudent fiscal policies, the Fayyad Government has managed to cut the need for donor aid for recurrent spending almost by half – from USD 1.8 billion in 2008 to less than 1 billion in 2011.
Through effective financial reforms and prudent fiscal policies, the Fayyad Government has managed to cut the need for donor aid for recurrent spending almost by half – from USD 1.8 billion in 2008 to less than 1 billion in 2011.
Yet signs of donor fatigue appear to be mounting.
Yet signs of donor fatigue appear to be mounting.
By the end of the first quarter, the Palestinian Authority had received only USD 160 million in budget support.
By the end of the first quarter, the Palestinian Authority had received only USD 160 million in budget support.
In view of the projected deficit of nearly USD 1 billion in 2011, the Palestinian Authority seems headed for a serious fiscal crisis later this year.
In view of the projected deficit of nearly USD 1 billion in 2011, the Palestinian Authority seems headed for a serious fiscal crisis later this year.
If the Palestinian Authority is living on borrowed time, it is for more fundamental reasons than flagging donor support.
If the Palestinian Authority is living on borrowed time, it is for more fundamental reasons than flagging donor support.
As pointed out in the UN report to this meeting, the Palestinian state-building agenda is rapidly approaching its limits in terms of what it can achieve within the political and physical space available to the Palestinian Authority.
As pointed out in the UN report to this meeting, the Palestinian state-building agenda is rapidly approaching its limits in terms of what it can achieve within the political and physical space available to the Palestinian Authority.
Or as the World Bank puts it, ultimately, sustainable economic growth in the Palestinian Territory can only be underpinned by a vibrant private sector.
Or as the World Bank puts it, ultimately, sustainable economic growth in the Palestinian Territory can only be underpinned by a vibrant private sector.
And the latter will not rebound significantly while restrictions on access to natural resources and markets remain in place.
And the latter will not rebound significantly while restrictions on access to natural resources and markets remain in place.
This, in part, concerns the need to facilitate the reintegration of the West Bank and Gaza as indivisible parts of the Palestinian Territory.
This, in part, concerns the need to facilitate the reintegration of the West Bank and Gaza as indivisible parts of the Palestinian Territory.
To foster economic development and reduce unemployment, it is essential to remove restrictions on imports of investment and construction materials into Gaza.
To foster economic development and reduce unemployment, it is essential to remove restrictions on imports of investment and construction materials into Gaza.
Barriers to trade between Gaza, the West Bank and Israel must be lifted.
Barriers to trade between Gaza, the West Bank and Israel must be lifted.
Moreover, private-sector growth requires Palestinian access to East Jerusalem and Area C, issues not only of economic consequence, but also of a political nature.
Moreover, private-sector growth requires Palestinian access to East Jerusalem and Area C, issues not only of economic consequence, but also of a political nature.
Which leads me to my third point:
Which leads me to my third point:
As stressed time and time again, the state-building track and the political negotiating track are interdependent, and you can only go so far on one without progress on the other.
As stressed time and time again, the state-building track and the political negotiating track are interdependent, and you can only go so far on one without progress on the other.
In light of the protracted political stalemate, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that donor mobilisation is getting harder as the political horizon is fading.
In light of the protracted political stalemate, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that donor mobilisation is getting harder as the political horizon is fading.
Donors have stated clearly that their support for the state-building project is political, not humanitarian.
Donors have stated clearly that their support for the state-building project is political, not humanitarian.
Ultimately, we will have to make sure that donors are part of the solution, not the problem.
Ultimately, we will have to make sure that donors are part of the solution, not the problem.
Sustaining a first-rate administration of self-rule under occupation is not what we bargained for.
Sustaining a first-rate administration of self-rule under occupation is not what we bargained for.
This is why commitments of support beyond 2011 are likely to depend on real prospects of political progress.
This is why commitments of support beyond 2011 are likely to depend on real prospects of political progress.
At the pledging conference scheduled for June in support of the next three-year Palestinian national development plan, the twin issues of economic and political sustainability are bound to take centre stage.
At the pledging conference scheduled for June in support of the next three-year Palestinian national development plan, the twin issues of economic and political sustainability are bound to take centre stage.
And this is but one more reason why all parties concerned must stand firm behind the stated goal of negotiating a framework agreement on permanent status and a subsequent comprehensive peace treaty.
And this is but one more reason why all parties concerned must stand firm behind the stated goal of negotiating a framework agreement on permanent status and a subsequent comprehensive peace treaty.
Two decades after Madrid, a real sense of urgency is overdue – and decisive action is hardly too much to ask for.
Two decades after Madrid, a real sense of urgency is overdue – and decisive action is hardly too much to ask for.
Finally, let me conclude with an aside about the Sudan.
Finally, let me conclude with an aside about the Sudan.
In New York this autumn, the new state of South Sudan will join us at the General Assembly – and I would want to be the first to welcome the latest member of the United Nations.
In New York this autumn, the new state of South Sudan will join us at the General Assembly – and I would want to be the first to welcome the latest member of the United Nations.
But I cannot help thinking that it would indeed be an historical irony if we at the same time fail to welcome a Palestinian state, which in terms of institution-building is far more advanced.
But I cannot help thinking that it would indeed be an historical irony if we at the same time fail to welcome a Palestinian state, which in terms of institution-building is far more advanced.
Palestinian Authority above threshold of functioning state
Palestinske myndigheter rede for statsdannelse
Meeting of the AHLC
AHLC-møtet i Brussel
Norway chairs important meeting on Middle East in London
Norge leder viktig Midtøsten-møte i London
One of Norway’s most important contributions to the Middle East peace process is its role as chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) of donors to the Palestinians.
Et av Norges viktigste bidrag til fredsprosessen i Midtøsten er rollen som leder for giverlandsgruppen for palestinerne, Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC).
On Friday the AHLC donor countries will meet in London.
Denne gruppen møtes fredag i London.
In addition to Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, representatives of the major donors, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU High Representative Javier Solana and Quartet Representative Tony Blair will participate.
I tillegg til den palestinske statsministeren SalamFayyad og den israelske utenriksministeren Tzipi Livni, er de store giverne representert med bl.a FNs generalsekretær Ban Ki-Moon, USAs utenriksminister Condoleezza Rice, Russlands utenriksminister Sergej Lavrov, EUs kommisjonær Benita Ferrero-Waldner og høyrepresentant Javier Solana, samt Kvartettens representant Tony Blair.
The purpose of the AHLC is to assist the Palestinians in establishing a sustainable, democratic state, which Norway believes is essential for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.
Målsettingen er å hjelpe palestinerne med å etablere en bærekraftig og demokratisk stat, som Norge mener er en forutsetning for en tostatsløsning på Midtøsten-konflikten.
This can only be achieved if conditions on the ground are improved.
Dette kan bare oppnås hvis forholdene på bakken forbedres.
Lately, the situation has deteriorated.
I den siste perioden har utviklingen vært negativ.
There has been an expansion of Israeli settlements.
Det har vært en økning i israelske bosettinger.
More restrictions have been imposed on the Palestinians in the West Bank.
Restriksjonene for palestinerne på Vestbredden er blitt flere.
There has been an increase in Israeli military operations in Palestinian Territory.
Israelske militære operasjoner i Det palestinske området er trappet opp.
Palestinian groups continue to fire rockets into Israel.
Palestinske grupper fortsetter å skyte raketter mot Israel.
Fragile governments on either side are hampering the negotiations.
Skjøre regjeringer på begge sider gjør forhandlingene vanskelige.
The Israeli and Palestinian populations have little trust in the peace process.
Det er liten tillit til fredsprosessen i begge befolkninger.
“Given the lack of progress in the peace process, donor cooperation is of greater political importance than ever,” said State Secretary Raymond Johansen.
- Når man ser på den manglende bevegelsen i fredsprosessen, framstår giversamarbeidet politisk viktigere enn noen gang, sier statssekretær Raymond Johansen.
“In fact, the AHLC is the main arena for three-party consultations between the Palestinians, the Israelis and the international community on important issues.
- AHLC er faktisk den mest sentrale trepartsarenaen for drøftelser av viktige spørsmål mellom palestinerne, Israel og det internasjonale samfunn.
The London meeting The London meeting is a follow-up to the ministerial level donor meeting in New York in September and the large donor conference in Paris in December last year.
London-møtet London-møtet er en oppfølging av givermøtet i New York på ministernivå i september og den store giverkonferansen i Paris i desember i fjor.
“I am pleased that we have managed to re-establish our structured cooperation,” said Mr Johansen.
- Jeg er glad for at vi har reetablert et strukturert samarbeid, sier Johansen.
This series of meetings marks the resumption of direct economic cooperation between donor countries and the Palestinian Authority after a period of boycott and isolation.
Denne møterekken markerer gjenopptakelsen av direkte økonomisk samarbeid mellom giverland og den palestinske selvstyremyndigheten etter en periode med boikott og isolasjon.
In Paris, donors pledged a total of USD 7.7 billion.
I Paris ble det gitt tilsagn på til sammen USD 7,7 milliarder.
Norway will provide NOK 760 million each year during the period 2008–2010.
Norge vil gi NOK 760 millioner årlig i perioden 2008-2010.
This makes the Palestinian Territory on the largest recipients of Norwegian development assistance.
Det gjør Det palestinske området til en av våre aller største mottakere av norsk utviklingsbistand.
“An important aim of the London meeting is to follow up on and ensure fulfilment of the pledges made in Paris.
- En viktig målsetting for London-møtet er å følge opp og sikre løftene fra Paris.
This is no easy task,” said Mr Johansen.
Dette er ingen enkel oppgave, sier Johansen.
Given the deterioration on the ground, the challenge is to prevent that donors fail to fulfil their pledges because they fear that the funds will have no effect.
Gitt den negative utviklingen på bakken, er utfordringen å unngå at givere går fra sine løfter fordi de er redde for at midlene ikke skal få noen effekt.
We have a strong partner in Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in our efforts to counter this tendency.
Til å motstå denne tendensen har vi en sterk partner i den palestinske statsministeren Salam Fayyad.
He has launched an important, major reform of the Palestinian Authority, covering financial management, the judiciary and the security sector.
Han har satt i gang en stor og viktig reform av den palestinske selvstyremyndigheten, herunder finansforvaltning, justissektoren og sikkerhet.
The London meeting is important for mobilising political support for Mr Fayyad’s reform efforts.
London-møtet er viktig for å mobilisere politisk støtte til Fayyads reformarbeid.
At the same time, it is essential to improve the framework conditions for the Palestinian economy.
Samtidig er det avgjørende å få bedret rammebetingelsene for palestinsk økonomi.
The main obstacle to the development of the Palestinian economy is still the Israeli restrictions on access and movement.
Det viktigste hinderet for utvikling av den palestinske økonomien er fortsatt de israelske bevegelsesrestriksjonene.
Without free access to and free movement within the Palestinian Territory, there will be no economic growth.
Uten tilgang til, og fri bevegelse innenfor Det palestinske området vil det ikke bli økonomisk vekst.
Israel must remove checkpoints that have a significant impact on trade and economic development .
Israel må fjerne sjekkpunkter av strategisk betydning for handel og økonomisk utvikling.
There are currently nearly 600 checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank alone.
I dag er det nesten 600 hindringer bare på Vestbredden.
At present the prospects for establishing a state are slim.
I dag er utsiktene til en statsdannelse små.
The aid that is provided is used mainly for salaries, current expenses and humanitarian assistance, and only to a limited extent for long-term development projects.
Bistanden går i stor grad til lønninger, løpende utgifter og humanitær bistand og i mindre grad til langsiktige utviklingsprosjekter.
“This is a trend we are seeking to reverse.
- Det er denne trenden vi arbeider for å snu.
Unless we succeed, the Palestinian Authority is in danger of collapsing.
Om vi ikke klarer dette, vil Den palestinske selvstyremyndigheten kunne bryte sammen.
In that case, the institutional basis for a peace agreement would disappear.
Da vil det institusjonelle grunnlaget for en fredsavtale forsvinne.
We cannot allow that to happen,” said State Secretary Johansen.
Dette kan vi ikke la skje, sier statssekretær Johansen.
Opening Address at the AHLC Meeting in London
Opening Address at the AHLC Meeting in London
AHLC meeting in Madrid
Giverlandsgruppemøte i Madrid til støtte for palestinerne
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC) met in Madrid today under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Giverlandsgruppen for det palestinske området (AHLC) møttes i dag i Madrid under ledelse av utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos hosted the meeting, which was also attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Quartet Representative Tony Blair.
Spanias utenriksminister Miguel Angel Moratinos var vert for møtet, hvor også palestinernes statsminister Salam Fayyad og Midtøsten-kvartettens utsending Tony Blair deltok.
“The Middle East Quartet’s reiteration of its support for Prime Minister Fayyad’s state-building plan during its meeting in Moscow on 19 March confirms that there is broad international support for the plan.
– Midtøsten-kvartettens støtte til statsminister Fayyads statsbyggingsplan under sitt møte i Moskva 19. mars bekrefter den brede internasjonale oppslutningen om planen.
The AHLC meeting confirms the donors’ willingness to support the detailed implementation of the plan,” said Foreign Minister Støre.
AHLC-møtet bekrefter givernes vilje til å støtte opp om den detaljerte gjennomføringen av planen, sier utenriksminister Støre.
The Fayyad Government has come a long way in its efforts, with international support.
Fayyad-regjeringen er med internasjonal støtte kommet langt i sitt arbeid.
Further progress is dependent on stronger support from the Palestinian private sector.
Ytterligere økonomisk framgang trenger nå sterkere drahjelp fra palestinsk privat sektor.
“In order to strengthen Palestinian economic growth, Israel must take significant steps to ease the closure regime in the occupied territory.
– For å styrke palestinsk økonomisk utvikling er det nødvendig at Israel gjennomfører betydelige lettelser i stengningsregimet i det okkuperte området.
The aim is an independent Palestinian state that is not dependent on international aid,” said Mr Støre.
Målet er en selvstendig palestinsk stat som kan være uavhengig av internasjonal bistand, sier Støre.
Foreign Minister Støre also emphasised that the challenges in East Jerusalem and Gaza are threatening to undermine the international efforts.
Støre understreket også at utfordringene i Øst-Jerusalem og Gaza truer med å undergrave den internasjonale innsatsen.
Opening Address at the AHLC meeting in Madrid
Støres tale ved AHLC-møtet i Madrid
"Our undertaking is more than a humanitarian effort.
- Our undertaking is more than a humanitarian effort.
Our mission is to support the building of institutions of the future Palestinian state”, Foreign Minister Støre said in his opening address at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in Madrid on 13 April.
Our mission is to support the building of institutions of the future Palestinian state”, sa utenriksminister Støre bl.a. i sitt åpningsinnlegg på møtet i Giverlandsgruppen for det palestinske området (AHLC - Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) i Madrid 13. april.
It is a privilege to welcome you all to this AHLC meeting in Madrid, a city that has played such a prominent part in the Middle East peace process.
It is a privilege to welcome you all to this AHLC meeting in Madrid, a city that has played such a prominent part in the Middle East peace process.
Let me thank Minister Moratinos, himself a household name in the Middle East, and the Government of Spain, the current EU Presidency, for receiving us with such warmth and hospitality.
Let me thank Minister Moratinos, himself a household name in the Middle East, and the Government of Spain, the current EU Presidency, for receiving us with such warmth and hospitality.
Let me also extend a special welcome to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the Israeli delegation.
Let me also extend a special welcome to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the Israeli delegation.
Madrid is an apt setting for this AHLC meeting.
Madrid is an apt setting for this AHLC meeting.
In a sense, this is where it all started, when the Madrid conference nearly 20 years ago set the stage for today’s vision of a two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security.
In a sense, this is where it all started, when the Madrid conference nearly 20 years ago set the stage for today’s vision of a two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security.
Our shared aim is to deliver on this vision.
Our shared aim is to deliver on this vision.
All of us around this table are aware of the hopes, fears and aspirations attached to this process.
All of us around this table are aware of the hopes, fears and aspirations attached to this process.
It is worthwhile to recall the mission and the purpose of the AHLC: it is to maintain a unity of purpose among the donors supporting the Palestinian Authority, and it is to reinforce a bond of trust between the Palestinian Authority, Israel and the leading donors.
It is worthwhile to recall the mission and the purpose of the AHLC: it is to maintain a unity of purpose among the donors supporting the Palestinian Authority, and it is to reinforce a bond of trust between the Palestinian Authority, Israel and the leading donors.
Final status issues are not on our AHLC agenda.
Final status issues are not on our AHLC agenda.
But as we have reminded ourselves repeatedly, our undertaking is more than a humanitarian effort.
But as we have reminded ourselves repeatedly, our undertaking is more than a humanitarian effort.
Our mission is to support the building of institutions of the future Palestinian state.
Our mission is to support the building of institutions of the future Palestinian state.
Once that state is established, it is in everyone’s interest that it can prosper through established and well-functioning institutions from day one.
Once that state is established, it is in everyone’s interest that it can prosper through established and well-functioning institutions from day one.
This is what the AHLC has been about from the outset – serving as a complementary track to the final status negotiations, which helps to facilitate the political process towards an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
This is what the AHLC has been about from the outset – serving as a complementary track to the final status negotiations, which helps to facilitate the political process towards an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
So let us use this Madrid session of the AHLC to reaffirm the strategic focus that we agreed on some six months ago in New York.
So let us use this Madrid session of the AHLC to reaffirm the strategic focus that we agreed on some six months ago in New York.
At that meeting, we all agreed to welcome the Palestinian government programme for building the institutions of a Palestinian state within 24 months.
At that meeting, we all agreed to welcome the Palestinian government programme for building the institutions of a Palestinian state within 24 months.
This plan, which focuses on continued assistance in support of sustainable economic development and robust state institutions, constitutes an important platform for donor coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
This plan, which focuses on continued assistance in support of sustainable economic development and robust state institutions, constitutes an important platform for donor coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
The follow up of this plan will also figure in today’s discussions, as we take stock of what has already been implemented and what remains to be done.
The follow up of this plan will also figure in today’s discussions, as we take stock of what has already been implemented and what remains to be done.
There are some positive developments: The Palestinian economy is showing signs of improvement, as witnessed by the reduction in aid dependency, the growth rate in the West Bank and the shift towards a higher level of investment.
There are some positive developments: The Palestinian economy is showing signs of improvement, as witnessed by the reduction in aid dependency, the growth rate in the West Bank and the shift towards a higher level of investment.
Over the last three years, the budget support provided to the Palestinian Authority has accounted for a decreasing share of GDP, from 28% in 2008 to an estimated 18% in 2010.
Over the last three years, the budget support provided to the Palestinian Authority has accounted for a decreasing share of GDP, from 28% in 2008 to an estimated 18% in 2010.
Last year the economic growth in the West Bank was significant.
Last year the economic growth in the West Bank was significant.