Israel limits harm Palestinian economy, World Bank says March 12, 2013 - 18:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The World Bank charges that Israel's system of checkpoints, delays in transferring millions of dollars in tax revenue and preventing most exports from Gaza have caused lasting damage to the Palestinian economy, AP reported. Tuesday March 12 report said deteriorating water and transport infrastructure were also serious problems, particularly in Gaza. Israel officials cite security concerns for restrictions. The report said economic problems were exacerbated by shortfalls in donor aid, forcing the Palestinian Authority to borrow unsustainable amounts from local banks to stay afloat. The report said the small Palestinian economy has slowly unraveled over nearly 20 years, with exports falling from 10 percent of the economy in 1994 to just 7 percent today, one of the world's lowest levels. The report was issued ahead of a donors meeting in Brussels on March 19. Partner news  Top stories Amy Elliott, chief administrative officer of the Oklahoma medical examiner's office, said 51 were confirmed dead. An Islamist insurgency, once confined largely to the republic of Chechnya, has spread across the North Caucasus in recent years. Earlier, at least five Azerbaijan soldiers were killed and six seriously injured when their vehicle rammed into a tree and overturned. Among its provisions are bans on child marriage and the traditional practice of selling and buying women to settle disputes.   Partner news |  Latest news Hailstorm damage assessed at $30-40mln in Armenia  It’s noteworthy that the hailstorm inflicted great damage in early May particularly on Armenia’s Armavir province.FM, Lord Wallace discuss Armenian-UK cooperation Edward Nalbandian had a working dinner with Lord William Wallace, with Armenian-British cooperation discussed.Armenian-Cypriots visit Sourp Magar Monastery A large number of manuscripts, dating back to 1202, as well as other valuable ecclesiastical relics were housed there.Giant asteroid 1998 QE2 to pass Earth May 31 The asteroid is said to measure in at about 1.7-miles long and will be about 3.6 million miles away from Earth as it passes. |
