| Submit your comments on this article |
| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Iran donates $68m to Hamas |
| 2006-04-16 |
| IRAN is giving $US50 million ($68.42 million) to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority to fill gaps left by Western aid cuts, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said. The donation will help make up the shortfall left by the aid cut-off by the United States and the European Union and Israel's freezing of the transfer of about $US50 million ($68.42 million) a month in tax and customs receipts to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian government. "I am honoured to announce that Iran has donated $US50 million ($68.42 million) to help the Palestinian nation," Mr Mottaki said in a televised speech to a conference in Tehran on the Palestinian issue. Mr Mottaki said the gift was Iran's duty as a friend of the Palestinians, but did not say how or when it would reach them. A Hamas official, who asked not to be identified, later said Iran was donating $US100 million ($136.85 million) to the Palestinian Authority. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian officials. Iran has been at odds with the United States since its 1979 Islamic revolution, and has refused to recognise Israel. Washington and the European Union froze aid to the Hamas-led government because the Islamist group did not comply with their demand that it recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by interim peace agreements. The Palestinian economy has been crippled during years of fighting with Israel, and Palestinians are dependent on foreign aid totalling more than $US1 billion ($1.37 billion) a year. Mr Mottaki called on Muslims around the world to support the Palestinians. "The Islamic world should help the new Palestinian government to overcome its current problems," he said. Hamas, which took office on March 29, faces a financial crisis and a struggle to revive an economy suffering from widespread poverty and corruption and high unemployment. |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #10 So, another cca 50 Paleos will be playing "Who wants to be a millionaire". Instead of the team Al-Fatah, Hamas team -mates will get their chance. |
| Posted by: twobyfour 2006-04-16 23:22 |
| #9 $50M is just a drop in the bucket. Israel used to remit $55M a month in "tax receipts". Since the Mullahs didn't sign up to a monthly stipend, all this does is prolong the agony. |
| Posted by: RWV 2006-04-16 22:39 |
| #8 #5: *technically that makes Iran a terrorist State, yes? In a sense, it means that Iran "Admits" to sponsoring a Terrorist Organization/Neighbor in need. (Hamas) They're drawing a fine line here, Hamas was elected, they think that being elected whitewashes out the "Terrorist" part, at least enough to tie the UN into debating knots for the next decade or so. (With Irans deliberate help in muddying the Waters) |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2006-04-16 22:20 |
| #7 I don't know that they are risking it all for Iranian money, Joe. Here is where the Paleos are at: 1) They have continually hung their hopes on total losers like the Arafish and Hamas. 2) They are hung up on hating Israel, so they will not compromise. 3) Their actions and policies are so dumb-sh*t that even the Saudis, who have no Luuuuuv for Israel, won't give 'em any more cash. 4) There is not much left for them to risk. They will take money from anyone to keep their corrupt machine going. Along comes Iran with the money (and an agenda). The Paleos are finished. Only thing left to do is turn off the lights and shut off the water. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2006-04-16 22:19 |
| #6 Unless stooped Iran will go on working to take over the PA - HAMAS is just helping to destroy any hopes the Pales. people have for their own state. Their hatred and ire against Israel is so perverse, politicized, and corrupted the Pals. are willing to work wid one future enemy to destroy a contemporary one. The Pals are risking it all in exchange for being a future province of Iran. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2006-04-16 21:53 |
| #5 * technically that makes Iran a terrorist State, yes? |
| Posted by: RD 2006-04-16 20:59 |
| #4 Probably payable over 30 years with all their children as "collateral". |
| Posted by: Ebbeater Thomotch6751 2006-04-16 20:45 |
| #3 Actually, Hamas sez Iran promised $100 million (US$). AND a pony! (Iran's only admitting to promising $50 million). |
| Posted by: Scooter McGruder 2006-04-16 20:42 |
| #2 Hamas had better collect quickly: Iran may not be good for "Net 30 Days" terms. |
| Posted by: Darrell 2006-04-16 20:40 |
| #1 headline should say, Hamas says Iran Promises $68M |
| Posted by: mhw 2006-04-16 20:00 |