Jordan sees cut of UNRWA's services affecting regional stability

Jun 21, 2011, 16:09 GMT

Amman - Jordanian Deputy Premier Saad Srour on Tuesday warned of the possible negative impact on stability in the Middle East if the world community fails to ensure proper financing for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA).

'In view of the current dangerous political situation in our region, the world community should shoulder its responsibilities in maintaining peace and stability by ensuring support for UNRWA to enable it continue taking care of about 5 million Palestinian refugees,' he said.

Srour made the remarks as he opened a two-day meeting of UNRWA's Advisory Commission of host and donor countries in the Dead Sea resort.

He voiced Amman's opposition to any cut in UNRWA services to the Palestinian refugees. Jordan considered the issue of the Palestinian refugees a 'question of Jordanian security.'

By UNRWA accounts, Jordan is host to about 2 million Palestinian refugees, or 40 per cent of the total number. The rest live in Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Srour said UNRWA should remain in operation until a solution was found for the issue of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the UN Resolution 194 of 1949.

The resolution provides for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes which they deserted upon the foundation of Israel in 1948 and compensating them for their lost properties.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi said the agency faced a budget deficit of 63 million dollars in fiscal 2011 and urged donor countries to raise their contributions.

'The events sweeping the region have resonated in the Palestinian refugee communities, where grievances about long-denied rights, as well as aspirations for a better life, run deep,' he said.

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