Norway, Egypt plan Gaza donor conference - 'if peace talks succeed'

OSLO, August 18 (Itar-Tass) - Norway and Egypt plan to gather international donors at a conference to channel funds for Gaza's reconstruction and ensure political support for a long-term ceasefire, Norway's foreign minister said on Monday. But invitations must await success at peace talks in the Egyptian capital and donors had already made clear that aid for Gaza should be sent to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Borge Brende. The grave humanitarian crisis brought an urgent need to restore infrastructure, he said. Gaza could not be rebuilt in its old form, however, said Norway's top diplomat, whose nation is a major international donor of aid totalling some $100 million. Looking to Gaza's future, Brende said “borders must be open so people and goods could freely cross them". Financial injections of donor states should ensure economic growth, creation of new jobs and better living conditions, he added. Learn more on itar-tass.com