East Jerusalem, 11 January 2010 - On Sunday, 10 January 2010, UNRWA signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Organization for Peace, Care and Relief (IOPCR), a leading Libya-based humanitarian organisation.
The signing ceremony was held at UNRWA's office in Cairo. The memorandum was signed by IOPCR's Secretary General, Jamal Al Grable, and by UNRWA's Representative of the Commissioner-General, Mr Peter Ford.
The memorandum paves the way for a subsequent Cooperation Agreement which will lay the base for a comprehensive programme of cooperation between the lead UN agency responsible for Palestine refugees and the IOPCR. Signature of the memorandum follows visits in recent days by a delegation of IOPCR officials to Amman, the West Bank and Gaza. Following the signature of the memorandum, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Ms Karen Koning AbuZayd, expressed her delight, stating: "This agreement heralds the beginning of a very strong partnership with the IOPCR. We very much look forward to working with this organisation to improve the lives of Palestine refugees."
The IOPCR is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) registered with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council for NGOs. Established in 1999, it enjoys an independent legal and financial status. It is headquartered in Tripoli, Libya, with branches in several other countries.
For further information please contact:
Peter Ford
Representative of UNRWA Commissioner-General
Mobile: 00962776760062
Office: 0096265808521