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UNRWA-Egypt Agreement on Economic and Engineering Surveys

Agreement

Between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

And the Government of the Republic of Egypt

Concerning Economic and Engineering Surveys

For the Development Projects in the Sinai Peninsula and in the Gaza District

Cairo, 30 June 1953

PREAMBLE

The General Assembly of the United Nations has approved a programme of approximately $200 million to be allocated by UNRWA for the improvement of refugee living conditions through projects initiated by Governments which make refugees self-supporting and remove them from ration rolls, without prejudice to refugee interests in repatriation and compensation.

2. The Government of Egypt has expressed its willingness further to cooperate with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in its programme of self-support and better living conditions for refugees.

It is prepared to cooperate actively with UNRWA in searching for practicable projects in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as in the Gaza District and in their expeditious execution.

3. As economic and engineering surveys are completed, it is the expectation of the Government and UNRWA to enter into project agreements which meet the needs of integrated economic development in the Sinai Peninsula and in the Gaza District and the purposes of the programme approved by the General Assembly.

4. Potential projects, which if proved feasible, will make possible the removal of a substantial number of refugees from the ration rolls of refugees residing in Gaza, justify the execution of a preliminary agreement between the Government of Egypt and the Agency.

5. The Government of Egypt agrees:

(a) To expedite the completion of economic and engineering surveys and to supply essential information required in order to determine what projects are feasible and shall immediately proceed.

(b) If as a result of the surveys, a decision to proceed with specified projects is found justified, to negotiate by 31 December 1953 project agreements defining, among other things, the amount of money to be committed by UNRWA and the approximate number of refugees to be rendered self-supporting.

(c) To enact necessary legislation and regulations and to cooperate with UNRWA in all appropriate ways with a view to the maximum employment of refugees in appropriate stages of projects and in furtherance of the general and specific objects of the programme.

6. UNRWA agrees:

(a) To reserve an amount of approximately $30,000,000 during the period ending 31 December 1953, pending the completion of economic and engineering surveys.

(b) To finance immediately the necessary economic and engineering surveys of potential projects up to a maximum of $500,000.

(c) If it is decided to execute projects, to negotiate during the period ending 31 December 1953 appropriate Project Agreements entailing the specific commitment of funds.

7. This agreement will come into force from the date of signature.

 

SIGNED in Cairo this Thirtieth day of June 1953 in two copies.

For and on behalf of the                                                                For and on behalf of the

United Nations Relief and                                                             Egyptian Government:

Works Agency for Palestine

Refugees in the Near East :

(Signed) Leslie J. CARVER                                                              (Signed) Dr. Mahmoud FAWZI

Acting Director                                                                                  Minister of Foreign Affairs