How about that? Dutch government welcomes first export from Gaza

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Dutch government welcomes first export from Gaza

Published today (updated) 01/12/2010 20:53

Palestinian farmer feeds carnations to sheep at his farm in Rafah, in the southern
Gaza Strip, November 22, 2007. Palestinian farmers had to dispose of their flower
crop due to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, preventing them from export their
goods. [MaanImeges/Hatem Omar]
JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Following the first shipment of strawberries and carnations from Gaza under a Dutch government program to support local farmers prohibited from exporting goods under Israel's siege, officials from The Netherlands consulate said they were "pleased" and said they hoped the continued export of limited goods would continue smoothly.

Dutch Representative to the Palestinian Authority Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford said in a statement that the successful export was “the best possible reward for the efforts invested by the farmers involved, who together with the staff of the Agricultural Development Association (PARC) are the backbone of this project."

Permission for export was arranged by Dutch officials during talks with the Israeli government, and constitute the sole export item from Gaza since 2007.

In 2007, farmers in Gaza were forced to feed carnations to livestock after export permission was denied and 2008, only one shipment of carnations was permitted out of Gaza ahead of Valentine's Day in February. In 2009, Dutch consular officials secured permission for regular exports of both strawberries and carnations.

This year, officials said that they were attempting to secure additional permission to export cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers. In late November officials said they were hopeful that permission would be granted, but the latest statement noted negotiations were ongoing.

"We are looking forward to a smooth continuation of the exports throughout the season, but we also hope the first shipments are a step towards a broadening of opportunities for Gazan businesses to export their products, so they can restore their links to the international market," Twiss Quarles van Ufford said.