PA Accused Of Stealing U.S. Security Aid

RAMALLAH [MENL] -- Dissidents have accused the Palestinian Authority
of embezzling millions of dollars in U.S. security aid to the West Bank.
PA security officers said senior officials and commanders have used U.S.
security assistance to purchase private homes, automobiles and furniture.
The officers said some of the commanders were using the money to speculate
in the fuel and food market in the West Bank.
"The cash is being gobbled up by officers and officials close to the
United States," a PA officer said. "Over the last few months, a few people
have become very rich."