USA LAUNCHES WATER PROJECT IN JERICHO: The United States government on Sunday 15 Oct. 2017, launched a $10 million project to improve access to wastewater treatment and water for Palestinian Arab farmers in the Jericho area. Greenblatt has been among Trump's aides seeking to restart Israeli-Palestinian Arab negotiations. USA officials have spoken of improving the Palestinian Authority's economy and infrastructure as part of their efforts. The project announced Sunday aims to increase the number of homes connected to the Jericho area's wastewater treatment plant previously built with Japanese assistance by about 10,000 residents. That would leave some 70% of Jericho residents connected. Recycled wastewater would then be available to Palestinian Arab farmers in the area, it said. Palestinian Water Authority chairman Mazen Ghunaim said "this project will have a positive and direct impact on creating jobs and economic growth." (Arutz-7)