Despite recent tensions between the US and Egypt and a new Palestinian Authority government set to include Hamas, the Obama administration budget unveiled Monday maintains nearly the same level of funding for both in 2013.| That budget being, of course, what President Obama would like to see, not necessarily what Congress will actually give him. |
"Our goal is to provide the necessary funds. It's obviously clear to all of us that we have issues we need to work through, and we're working very aggressively to do so," said Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides after the budget plan was released. "But this budget reflects our commitment and our desire to fully fund this initiative."
He said the administration would be consulting with Congress, several members of which have said the detentions could cause the US to withhold money from Cairo.
The Palestinians will see a slight roll back in economic aid from $395m. in 2012 to $370m. in 2013 as well as cut back in police training from $150m. to $70m.
An administration official explained the first reduction as stemming from an improved economic situation in the Palestinian territories and the second as due to the curtailment of US provision of equipment for police officers as those supplies have already been delivered.
He said when it comes to the role of Hamas, a US-designated terrorist organization, and its role in the Palestinian government, the administration would revisit the issue in 2013 when the money was actually due to be allocated.