Tuesday, May 24, 2011

‘Open’ Borders Do Not Open Economy



By Mel Frykberg

"RAMALLAH - Despite the Egyptian revolution, which ousted Israeli ally and former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, and despite Israel’s claim to have eased the blockade on Gaza following last year’s bloody clashes on the ill-fated Mavi Marmara flotilla, the coastal territory’s economy remains crippled thanks to both countries....

However, following the Egyptian revolution in February the new interim military government promised to open the Rafah crossing [So far, it has been just an empty promise; just playing with words.]between Egypt and Gaza.

Egyptian foreign minister Nabil al-Arabi told Al-Jazeera at the end of April that the Rafah crossing would be opened to "put an end to Palestinian suffering." However, this has still to happen, and when it does it is unlikely to open for exports and imports which are vital for the Gazan economy.....

Ironically the smuggling tunnels, linking Gaza with Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, will continue to be a conduit for bringing in goods from cement to household items. But this form of import is dangerous, unreliable and the poor quality products are very expensive once the smugglers add on their profit margins...

"In practical terms the blockade will remain in effect until all crossings points are opened to allow for the free movement of people and goods, in accordance with the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access," said Schembri."

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