Doha: HE President of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Raed Radwan has commended Qatar's significant contribution as a key partner in international anti-corruption initiatives. He lauded Qatar's leading role in advancing both Arab and global anti-corruption efforts.
According to Qatar News Agency, Raed Radwan emphasized Qatar's active membership in relevant international and regional anti-corruption conventions. He highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed over two years ago between PACC and Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), aimed at enhancing expertise exchange and capacity building. Additionally, he mentioned a joint workshop on the right to access information law, organized in September.
Radwan underscored Doha's hosting of the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP11) as a crucial platform for anti-corruption institutions worldwide. This event facilitates discussions on international cooperation, recovery of stolen assets, and submission of draft resolutions to develop member states' experiences.
He also noted that Palestine's participation in COSP11 demonstrates its earnest desire to benefit from international experiences and share expertise, thereby enhancing its national capabilities. Moreover, it serves to shed light on the continuing crimes and violations against Palestinians by the Israeli occupation.
Radwan addressed the challenges Palestine faces due to the Israeli occupation, including geographical fragmentation, crossing closures, and withheld tax revenues affecting citizen movement and employee working hours. Despite these hurdles, PACC remains committed to fulfilling its national duties.
He elaborated on PACC's comprehensive national vision to combat corruption, which includes state institutions, the private sector, and civil society, focusing on prevention. Radwan mentioned the launch of the national governance and anti-corruption strategy, developed with stakeholder collaboration, and the formation of a national team for its implementation.
Radwan also highlighted PACC's efforts in investigating suspected corruption cases, noting that over thirty suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution. He emphasized PACC's active role in regional and international forums, including chairing the fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention and submitting proposals to COSP10 and COSP11.
He stressed the importance of advancing Arab experiences in combating digital corruption amidst service digitalization and electronic environment expansion, urging Qatar to lead these efforts due to its expertise.
In conclusion, Radwan expressed gratitude to Qatar's leadership, government, and people for their hospitality and excellent organization, wishing success for the conference in fostering international anti-corruption cooperation and continued prosperity for Qatar.