UN agency seeks to improve Palestinian housing and urban development

In a bid to improve Palestinian housing and urban development, the head of the United Nations agency that promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns with adequate shelter for all is currently visiting the region for talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders.

The Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Anna Tibaijuka yesterday briefed Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei on the progress of the new Special Human Settlements Programme for the Palestinian People.

The project, the result of a resolution unanimously adopted by Palestinians, Israelis and other Member States at the 19th Session of UN-HABITAT's Governing Council in May 2003, focuses on capacity building, policy reform and providing technical assistance to the Palestinian people.

At Mr. Qurei's request, Ms. Tibaijuka offered to provide technical expertise to support the Palestinian Authority in the areas of housing and sustainable urban development.

On Tuesday she met with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres and discussed many issues, including the pending disengagement of Israel from Gaza.