Kuwait’s support crucial for cash-strapped UNRWA – UN

Saunders meets with Ambassador Al-Ghunaim

GENEVA, Dec 19, (KUNA): A senior United Nations official has lauded Kuwait’s vital support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) namely its backing for the Palestinians.

Kuwait has been a significant partner for the international agency since decades ago, said UNRWA Acting Deputy Commissioner-General Christian Saunders in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday.

UNRWA largely depends on Kuwait for donations, particularly those allocated for Palestinian refugees, affirmed Saunders as he emerged from a meeting with Jamal Al-Ghunaim, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organizations in Geneva at the latter’s office.

Assistance

Saunders hoped Kuwait would increase its assistance for UNRWA to help it grapple with its worst financial crisis, indicating that it had to borrow money from the UN to meet some financial obligations.

There is dire need for USD 90 million by the end of the year “so we may be able to continue our services for the Palestinians,” he said.

Saunders assured the Palestinians that the UN would not ignore their need for help, hinting at the UN General Assembly support in this respect.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Al-Ghunaim affirmed Kuwait concern for aiding the UNRWA, warning that total or partial stoppage of its activities would lead to instability in the Middle East.

Kuwait eyes the UNRWA as a main and credible partner, he re-affirmed, indicating that he discussed with Saunders prospects of holding a conference grouping states that desire to aid the Palestinians.

Photo by Iehab Qurtal Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah, received in his office Thursday, Shimmura Izuru, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Japan’s Mission in Kuwait.

KUNA photo HH the PM Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled receives the Canadian defense minister.