In a November 6 ceremony at the University, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Marin, announced an emergency grant of 18 million ECUs, or approximately $15 million, to Palestinian institutions of higher education. The grant, which commenced in January 1994, will give vital support to Palestinian universities and community colleges for one year.

Dr. Bajhat Sabri, the head of the Council for Higher Education, the administrator of the grant, thanked the European Commission and pointed to the imperative of restructuring Palestinian society for the coming century.

Dr. Hanna Nasir, President of Birzeit University, also thanked the EC and noted: "If we are to survive within the context of a highly competitive world market, we cannot simply stand still. The present higher educational system is inadequate. We must move into new areas that provide us with expertise for the next century. Without this commitment for the future, the university system is doomed to be a costly manufacturer for unemployment." Dr. Nasir urged continued support for Palestinian higher education.