FINLAND & PALESTINE Proceedings of a Joint Workshop

.- .__.__
.._ ..
0111 RuohotrJIIkI
within the Palestinian political scene led to violent clashes between
Fatah and Hamas, with the West Bank gradually emerging
as 'Fatahstan', and Gaza as 'Hamastan'. Furthermore, during
the period 2005-2008, there was a clear fragmentation in
the economic space of the Palestinian Territories.
Ms. Pia Rantala-Engberg took over from Mr. Hannikainen on
1.10.2008 and Ms. Outi Saarikoski took over from Dr. Olli Ruohomaki
on 1.8.2007.
Investing in People, Water and Land: Finnish-Palestinian
Relations from the Prism of Development Cooperation
The Middle East Peace Process forms the basis for development
cooperation between Finland and the Palestinian Authority.
Aid is never devoid of politics, but this is particularly true in the
case of the Palestinian Territories.
Although the Palestinian Authority is not yet a full-fledged
state, it has all the characteristics of a fragile state, which include
weak territorial control, safety and security, weak capacity
to deliver services, weak capacity to manage public services,
and weak ability to protect and support the ways in which the
poorest people sustain themselves. Economic space in the
West Bank and Gaza remains highly fragmented. The coping
strategies for the poorest segment of the Palestinian population
are being increasingly stretched to the limit. Despite
commendable efforts by the Palestinian Authority, in many
fields, the quality and coverage of basic social services are severely
under stress. Hence, the Finnish aid package is directed
towards improving the living conditions of the Palestinians,
and building the capacity of the Palestinian institutions.
83