Palestinian Media Watch reports that the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating under the Palestinian Authority have unanimously refused to sign this statement as a condition to receiving USAID grant money.
"The beneficiary institution has not supplied, and will not supply in the future, any material or other form of aid to any individual or other body that is known or has any reason to be considered as a person or a body that incites, plans, supports, or is involved in any terrorist activities of any kind." [Trans from Arabic, Al Ayyam Aug. 25, 2003.]
Why? Because, they say, they aren't political organizations. Because, they say, the statement is "provocative." Because, they say, the intent of this condition is to damage palestinian civic institutions. Because, they say, the U.S. definition of "terrorism" includes "legitimate resistance." Ah. Getting closer now.
The real reason, of course, is that the PA NGOs have every intention of using USAID grant money to sponsor and encourage terrorist activities, as they have done in the past. Sure, they'll take our money. But only on their conditions.
Read more about it here. (The report isn't up on the PMW site yet)
