Regulatory Alerts2011-01-01
Circular No. 130: International Committee of the Red Cross Agencies
The Palestine Monetary Authority issued Circular No. 130 to mandate that all Palestinian banks accept International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) powers of attorney for prisoners, provided they meet specific verification criteria. The circular requires that these documents be signed by the prisoner in the presence of an ICRC representative, clearly state the principal and agent's identification details, specify a duration, be limited strictly to cash withdrawals, and bear official authentication from the Palestinian Ministries of Prisoners' Affairs, Justice, and Foreign Affairs. Banks are authorized to implement any additional legally compliant procedures necessary to process these verified ICRC agencies for financial transactions.
Palestine Monetary Authority
Palestine Monetary Authority
Circular No. (2011/130)
To all banks operating in Palestine
Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Subject: International Committee of the Red Cross Agencies
Further to our Circular No. (124) dated 2011/07/05 instructing all banks to accept International Committee of the Red Cross agencies ("Prisoners' Agencies"), this is to confirm acceptance following verification of the following conditions:
a. The power of attorney must be signed by the principal ("the prisoner") in the presence of an ICRC representative, must be written in clear handwriting, and must not contain any erasures or deletions of any phrases within it. b. The subject of the power of attorney must be specific and limited solely to the purpose of withdrawing cash from banks. c. The name of the principal ("the prisoner") and the personal identification card number must be clearly visible. d. The name of the agent and the personal identification card number must be clearly visible. e. The duration of the power of attorney must be specified. f. The power of attorney must be authenticated by the Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Accordingly, ICRC agencies that meet the above conditions shall be accepted for financial transaction procedures at banks. Banks may also take any additional measures or procedures consistent with the law for the purpose of accepting the aforementioned agencies.
Supervision and Inspection Department
Palestine Monetary Authority
Ramallah - Al Birah P.O. Box 452 - Tel.: 02-2409920 - Fax: 02-2409922
Gaza - P.O. Box 4026 - Tel.: 08-2825713 - Fax: 08-2844487
E-mail: info@pma.ps
www.pma.ps
Ramallah - Al Birah - P.O. Box: 452 - Tel.: 02-2409920 - Fax: 02-2409922
Gaza - P.O. Box: 4026 - Tel.: 08-2825713 - Fax: 08-2844487