Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa to 'SadaNews': We have set a two-and-a-half-year deadline for proceeding with the reform program, and next year will be crucial

SadaNews Exclusive - Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa stated on Thursday evening that the government was the one that began developing its reform program and presented it to Arab and international partners to prove that the Palestinian Authority is serious not only in aligning with the donors' requests but also in responding to the desires of our citizens who see their country as prosperous and advanced, with transparency and governance being important issues for us as the Palestinian people.

This came in response to questions from the editor-in-chief of 'SadaNews' during the donors' conference in Brussels, attended by many Palestinian journalists.

Mustafa told our correspondent: "These are important issues for us as a Palestinian people, and therefore we decided to make them a top priority for the government. When we implemented these ideas, they received great support and appreciation from all Arab and international parties and international financial institutions, which is why part of them decided to provide unconditional financial support.

He pointed out that the Arab countries, the World Bank, and the European Union did not impose any conditions on the Palestinian Authority, noting that there is a synchronization between the implementation of the reform program presented by the government and financial support to stimulate the execution of the program, and we are continuing to succeed at a reasonable pace.

The Prime Minister said: "We have set a time frame of two and a half years, and more than a year has passed since the reform program began, and by next year, most of the procedures related to the program will have been implemented."

He added: "We distinguish between logical and rational necessary reforms and unrealistic conditions that some want to impose as conditions for important issues like the Gaza issue and statehood."

He continued: "We do not compromise on national issues, and national principles are not related to financial support, which is a product of convictions," referring to the example of European Union countries that want to see the Palestinian Authority as a strong and important entity because they believe in the two-state solution and for its success.

The Palestinian Prime Minister believes that this reform program will positively affect the performance of the government and its institutions and the Palestinian people, noting that it increases confidence and support from international institutions, and that the government will continue with it based on its convictions.

Mustafa said: "The European Union has proven to be a serious partner in this difficult situation amid our funds being looted and held by Israel, and without the support of the European Union, the World Bank, and some Arab countries, our situation would have been dire," thanking the European Union, which he described as a serious partner in politics, reform, and development and that this relationship will become stronger.

He considered what transpired at the donors' conference as evidence of a commitment to its success, pointing out that this initiative confirms that the EU stands with Palestine and wants to support it and its people and the Authority which seeks to withstand painful Israeli measures and lead the unity of Gaza and the West Bank and do what is necessary for the residents of Gaza, especially regarding the reconstruction file as it is of utmost importance.