Appendix Regarding the Sphere of Statistics

The Palestinian side may conduct censuses or canvasses subject to the agreement determined in the Israeli-Palestinian Elections negotiations.

Annex Concerning the Sphere of Local Government

1. This sphere includes, inter alia, formulation and implementation of Local Government policies, appointment of Local Government officials, approval of Local Government budgets, tenders, acquisitions, fees and tariffs, alteration of Local Government boundaries, creation and dissolution of Local Government, Local Government election processes, Local Government inspections and the creation of joint service councils, city councils, in their capacity as local planning committees, and the operation and maintenance of the municipal water and electricity distribution systems and pricing of these services.
   
   

The term " Local Government " in this Annex includes municipal councils, village councils and all other communities which lack municipal status.

2. The Palestinian side has the right to make any and all alterations to the Local Government boundaries in the West Bank, within areas A and B as defined in the Security Annex.
   
   
3. Issues relating to the provision of Local Government services to settlements and to installations serving the Israeli military forces, are dealt with in the relevant sections.
   
   
4. The Palestinian side shall give notice to the Israeli side of any Local Government elections. With a view to avoid friction in the context of such elections, special security arrangements will be agreed in the security liaison mechanism.
   
   
5. In addition to the existing powers and responsibilities of a city council, in its capacity as local planning committee, it shall also be authorized to issue building permits for various purposes, including factories, hospitals and schools, in accordance and subject to existing detailed planning schemes in force.
   
   
6. Municipal authorities shall continue to supply water and electricity from existing systems in accordance with existing quantities and practices.
   
   
7. Matters regarding planning and zoning, water and electricity are dealt with in Section __ (Planning and Zoning), Section __ (Water) and Section __ (Electricity), respectively.
   

Appendix Regarding the Sphere of local Government

Pending the transfer of powers and responsibilities in the Sphere of Local Government in accordance with the Interim Agreement, the Palestinian Authority shall have the powers and responsibilities transferred in accordance with the Annex on this Sphere, subject to the following provisions:

1. Any alterations made to boundaries of existing local authorities shall be subject to the approval of the Civil Administration.
   
   
2. The declaration of new local authorities, or of alterations made to the status of existing local authorities, will not involve any change in the powers and

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