7 APRIL 2021

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today¡¯s noon briefing by St¨¦phane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

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Questions and Answers

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Question:? One other quick question, if I may.? There are reports from Washington that the US is about to make an announcement of funding to the Palestinians, money to Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and other monies.? Do you¡­ can the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ confirm that it¡¯s been notified by the US about this?

Spokesman:? Yes, we¡¯ve seen those reports.? It is also our understanding that a major announcement is imminent.? Obviously, we welcome this announcement, if it turns out to be true, and we have no indication that it¡¯s not.? We¡¯re waiting for the official announcement, but we very much welcome it.

The relationship between the United States and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA is a long-standing relationship.? We hope that others will now follow suit.? There were a number of countries that had greatly reduced or halted contributions to Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA.? We hope that the American decision will lead others to re-join Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA as Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA donors.

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Question:? My second question, this morning in¡­ at the entrance of a Palestinian village near Hebron called Samou, S-a-m-o-u, Palestinian old woman of 73-year-old ¡ª her name is Shafiqa Muhammad Suleiman Abu Aqeel ¡ª was run and killed by a settler.? That has happened this morning.? Is there¡­ are you aware of this incident?? And what can Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ do as the Israeli [inaudible] and their crimes against the Palestinian escalating by the day?? [cross talk]

Spokesman:? I had not personally heard of this case.? Obviously, this is something that needs to be investigated fully, but we will check with our colleagues.

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For information media. Not an official record.