From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 14, 2018
US set to cut UN money for Palestinian refugees
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to withhold tens of millions of dollars from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, cutting the year’s first contribution by more than half or perhaps entirely, and making additional donations contingent on major changes to the organization, according to US officials.
US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, but appears more likely to send only $60 million of the planned $125 million first installment to the UN Relief and Works Agency, say the officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Future contributions would require the agency, facing heavy Israeli criticism, to demonstrate significant changes in operations, they said, adding that one suggestion under consideration would require the Palestinians to first re-enter peace talks with Israel.
The White House and State Department did not immediately respond Sunday to questions about the decision.
The administration could announce its decision as early as Tuesday, the officials say. The plan to withhold some of the money is backed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis, who offered it as a compromise to demands for more drastic measures by UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, the officials say.
— AP
The Times of Israel Community.