Palestinian Authorities Cut Fuel Prices

Prime minister pledges in order to calm protests

The Palestinian Authority will decrease fuel prices and cut salaries of top officials, the prime minister pledged on Tuesday after days of protests in the West Bank against the high cost of living.

The announcement by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is part of his efforts to calm the growing unrest in the Palestinian territory, where protesters have focused their anger at Mr. Fayyad, saying his policies are responsible for the tough living conditions.

The Associated Press reported that Mr. Fayyad told a news conference that he will cancel a recent rise in fuel prices and fund the subsidy with the money he will cut from the salaries of government ministers and other top officials.