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How PA Diplomats "Do Business"

(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - The Palestinian diplomatic corps is rampant with corruption, favoritism, and abuse of power, columnist Ali Sadek charged Sunday in the Ramallah-based Al-Hayat al-Jadeeda. In the Palestinian Authority's 86 embassies and representative offices around the world, heads of missions levy illegal fees for consular work, and the money never reaches the PA, Sadek wrote. There are many cases where PA envoys have turned into businessmen in the countries in which they serve. "Our ambassadors have become owners of restaurants, real estate, and other property," he said. "There are also cases where a father and his sons or an ambassador and his brothers have taken control over a PA embassy. In some instances, the diplomatic missions have become stations for selling scholarships." Earlier this year, the Bosnian Foreign Ministry threatened to take legal action against the PA's ambassador, Jamal al-Jardali, following complaints that he and the embassy staff were driving around in stolen cars. Sources in Gaza said they could not understand how Jardali was appointed to a top diplomatic job since, prior to his appointment, Jardali was an ordinary worker in one of the PA security forces in the Gaza Strip.
2002-12-25 00:00:00
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