GOR PLANS $10 MILLION DONATION TO PALESTINIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 002238 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/22/2019 TAGS: EFIN ECON EAID KWBG PGOV OPDC PREL IS RS SUBJECT: GOR PLANS $10 MILLION DONATION TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY...IN 2010 REF: STATE 080039 Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor David Kostelancik. Reason: 1.4 (b),(d). ¶1. (C) We delivered reftel letter to Aleksandr Nikolayevich Rudakov, Palestine Desk Senior Counselor from the MFA's Middle East and North Africa Department. Rudakov stated that, in March, Russia pledged a $10 million biannual donation to the Palestinian Authority (PA),but he also admitted that the discussions for the 2010 funding were ongoing and the money had not been committed. He noted that in 2006 and 2008, Russia transferred $10 million to the PA, which, based on an agreement between Russia and the PA, could only be used for health programs, schools and programs for children. He said that a Russian delegation would visit the PA later in 2009 to verify how the 2008 funds had been spent. ¶2. (C) Rudakov stated that this year Russia had already donated 6 tons of flour to the PA through the World Food Program. Russia also planned to donate two civilian helicopters, although negotiations with Israel made this gift difficult. He added that Russian security forces made some donations to the PA but he would not elaborate. Additionally, last year Russia sent medical equipment and tents via Egypt to assist with refugees. ¶3. (C) Rudakov said the MFA would consider reftel request but he could not comment on additional funding beyond that expected in 2010. He brought up the difficult economic conditions in Russia and the world, adding that there was little money available for donations anywhere. ¶4. (U) A copy of reftel letter was also delivered to the MFA's North America division, from whom we received no substantive comment. Beyrle