国际英语资讯:European UN envoys stress two-state solution to Palestinian issue_时事

国际英语资讯:European UN envoys stress two-state solution to Palestinian issue

"Further, the work of UNRWA is essential to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, as refugees are one of the final-status issues," he added.

With a current shortfall of 243 million U.S. dollars, UNRWA is facing the most acute financial crisis since its inception. Vital UNRWA operations and programs are immediately at risk unless extraordinary measures are taken. A reduction or termination of UNRWA operations would have serious and immediate negative consequences on the ground, causing instability."

In 1949, the UN General Assembly established UNRWA and mandated it to provide assistance and protection to what are today more than five million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, as well as the West Bank and Gaza.

"UNRWA was mandated to carry out this task until a negotiated, lasting and just solution to the Palestine refugee situation was reached. ... It is for this reason that we must continue to shoulder our responsibility for Palestinian refugees through a functioning UNRWA," said Skoog.

He noted that UNRWA has undertaken key reforms at uNPRecedented speed, and as a result has achieved a high level of cost efficiency in its operations and programs. Through reforms in 2017 and 2016, it saved 81 million dollars last year.

The ambassador said his country contributed 65 million dollars to UNRWA last year, making it the fourth largest donor. In light of the acute financial crisis, Sweden has advanced its initial payment for 2018 to the agency, he said.