Germany has opened an office in Jericho whose main purpose is to monitor the spending of German aid to the Palestinians.
The office, which was opened Wednesday, makes Germany the first country to officially establish a mission in the Palestinian self-rule areas.
However, the office “is neither an embassy nor a consulate,” said Theodor Wallau, director-general of the German Foreign Ministry, at the crowded official opening of the Jericho office.
His comment was meant to indicate that Germany and the Palestinians are adhering to the clause in the Israeli-Palestinian self-rule accord under which Israel remains in control of foreign policy in the territories.
The office will mainly oversee the spending of some $200 million in German aid.
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