GAZA, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority said Sunday the United States will not provide aid to Palestinian institutions that include the name "martyrs" in them.

Palestinian Public Works Minister Mohammad Eshtiyeh said all Palestinian official and non-government organizations have been informed of the American decision.

He added the United States will also hold back assistance to institutions that carry the name of any living or deceased Palestinian resistance leaders.

Eshtiyeh added that an educational institution that carries the name of slain Hamas spiritual leader, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, will not be qualified to receive U.S. funds, nor will any municipality that has named a street after any such Palestinian leaders.

Naming private institutions, schools, public buildings, streets and even soccer teams after Palestinian "martyrs" killed by the Israeli forces is common across the Palestinian territories.

UPI  | Oct. 9, 2005