Decree No. 16 of 2007 On Vesting the Minister of Interior with the Power to Review all Licences of Associations

The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

The President of the Palestinian National Authority

Having reviewed the provisions of Title VII of the Amended Basic Law of 2003 and its Amendments

Based upon the Presidential Decree, dated June 14^th, 2007, on the Declaration of the State of Emergency,

Based upon the powers bestowed upon me, and

In accomplishment of the public interest,

I hereby promulgate the following Decree:

Article 1

The Minister of Interior shall be vested with the power to review all the licences of the associations, institutions and bodies, which have been issued forth by the Ministry of Interior or any other governmental body.

Article 2

The Minister of Interior, or the person whom he authorises, shall take the procedures he deems fit in regard of the associations, institutions and bodies, including closure, correction of positions, and other procedures.

Article 3

All existing public associations, institutions and bodies must submit new applications for re-licensing within one week from the date [of the promulgation of this Decree]. Any person who contravenes this shall be subject to legal action.

Article 4

This Decree shall be presented to the Legislative Council in the event it is in session to voice an opinion thereon.

Article 5

All the competent authorities, each one within its sphere of jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this Decree, which shall enter into force as of the date of its promulgation and shall be published in the Official Gazette.

Issued in the city of Ramallah on June 20^th, 2007 Anno Domini.

Corresponding to Jumada al-Akhir 5^th, 1428 Anno Hegira.

Mahmoud Abbas

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

President of the Palestinian National Authority