Dutch hydraulic expertise could help solve Middle East issues

THE HAGUE — Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Verhagen received novel marketing advice from parliamentarian Karien van Gennip during the debate on the budget for his department. She wants the minister to sell Israël, Jordan and the Palestinians on the benefits of joint cooperation in solving a contentious issue by building a canal between the Red Sea and the water-starved Dead Sea. Dutch hydraulic engineers and water management experts could do the feasibility study for the 160-kilometre connection, she argued. The construction of the canal could offer the Palestinians an opportunity for cooperation, jobs and hope for a better future. Verhagen agreed that the Netherlands has the expertise for such a project.