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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Sweden's foreign minister warns Palestinians not to expect funding as long as they remain corrupt




Radio Sweden reports that Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde warned the Palestinians that their endemic corruption ensures that they do not get Swedish funds.

"If we are to fully support economic development, then we can not have corruption at such a level as exists in Palestine," she said.

Linde met with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, prime minister Muhammad Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki.

She also allayed the Palestinian fears that her thawing of relations with Israel - this was the first such delegation to visit Israel in ten years - will not affect the Swedish attitude of support for Palestinians. She reiterated Sweden's support for a two state solution and for Palestinians to be able to hold elections in east Jerusalem.

Which means that even the staunchest Palestinian allies in Europe are starting to realize that the money they send Palestinians is being wasted.