Under the auspices of H.E. Said Abu Ali, Palestinian Minister of Interior, the EU Representative, Mr. John Gatt-Rutter and Mr Tobias Krause, Deputy Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany, the cornerstone for one of eight new standardized Community Police Stations for the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) was laid in the West Bank village of Sa’eer. The European Union will provide EUR 6 million for the construction of the Community Police Stations within the framework of its support to the security and the rule of law sectors.
In his speech at the ceremony the EU Representative Mr John Gatt-Rutter said: "The rule of law is essential to any democratic, stable and prosperous state. Our joint work in this sector is a clear demonstration of the strong partnership that we have developed over the years with the Palestinian Authority. As part of its wider commitment to building the institutions of a future Palestinian state, the EU has therefore consistently supported reform designed to strengthen the rule of law". He added: "Today, with the beginning of construction of eight police community centres, we mark a new step in the efforts of the Palestinian Civil Police to bring policing closer to people. The security situation in the West Bank has considerably improved in the last few years in many ways thanks to the work of the police and this has led to a climate of improved trust and the establishment of a more secure investment environment. We hope that such efforts will continue. Projects such as this are not just about bricks and mortar but rather about the positive impact they can have on the day to day lives of Palestinians ".
The project provides support for the Palestinian Authority to build democratic institutions in the security sector and to help the PCP improve its services while respecting human rights. The actions of the civil police are based on principles of the rule of law and in line with international standards of professionalism and accountability. The standardized Community Police Stations will allow the police to have a stronger presence within its communities and the necessary infrastructure and logistical requirements for routine, citizen-oriented, professional police work in its areas of responsibility.
The implementing agency of this project is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, which is commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Shadi Othman
Communication and Information Officer
The Office of the European Union Representative
West Bank and Gaza Strip, UNRWA
Jerusalem
Tel: +972 (0)2 541 5888 ext 867, Fax:+972 (0)2 541 5848
Mobile +972 (0) 599 673 958 +972 (0) 548 024 927
Website: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/
NEW!! Join us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/EUandPalestinians