million) for West Bank Palestinians WASHINGTON, Dec 15, SPA -- The United States will pledge about $500million (¤345 million) for the moderate-led Palestiniangovernment in the West Bank when Arab, European and othernations meet next week, AP qoted U.S. officials as saying. The money would go toward a goal of $5.6 billion (¤3.9billion) that former British Prime Minister Tony Blairhopes to raise to rescue the tattered Palestinian economyand reinforce institutions that would become the backboneof any eventual independent Palestinian state. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will deliver thepledge at a conference Blair has called Monday in Paris,the officials said. The officials spoke Friday on conditionof anonymity because the figure has not been announced andmight be changed slightly. The money is part of world efforts to improve thePalestinians' financial position as new U.S.-sponsoredpeace talks begin. Rice cannot promise that she can deliver on the pledge,which must be approved by the U.S. Congress. The moneyincludes about $400 million (¤276 million) that the WhiteHouse has already announced, but that has not been approvedby Congress.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/509412