Home Archive 31/December/2015 10:40 AM

EU Council Expresses Support to President Abbas' Efforts


BRUSSELS, January 22, 2007 (WAFA) - Council of the European Union expressed Monday its full support for President Abbas and his continued efforts for national unity.

In a press release, the Council called on all Palestinians to support these efforts and to end internal violence. "The EU stands ready to work with a legitimate Palestinian government that adopts a platform reflecting the Quartet principles," it added.

The Council also welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas on 23 December 2006, emphasising the need for prompt implementation of commitments made at this meeting and calling for the early resumption of the 2005 Sharm-el-Sheikh understandings.

It expressed the hope that this meeting will be the first in a series of meetings in the framework of a renewed political process, which should lead to meaningful negotiations on the final status.

"The ultimate goal should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security," according to the press release.

The Council also called on the parties to consolidate the cease-fire in Gaza and to extend it to the West Bank, calling for an end to Israeli military interventions in the West Bank.

The EU also calls for the immediate release of Palestinian ministers and legislators detained in Israel.

It stressed the importance of strengthening the Palestinian institutions, affirming it will continue to pursue practical and visible measures, including on access and movement, governance, the security sector and a functioning administration.

The Council also welcomed the extension of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) for three months, which - in coordination with the Office of the President - is providing essential relief to a large part of the Palestinian population.

It reiterated its call on Israel for the immediate transfer of all withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, encouraging Israel to consider to do so through the TIM.

The Council recalled the utmost importance of the full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access and in this regard reiterated its continued commitment to the EU Border Assistance Mission in Rafah.

It urged that Rafah and all other crossing points, notably Karni, be re-opened and remain open.

The EU also said that it is deeply concerned about the recent authorisation of settlement activities by the Israeli government, and the ongoing construction of the Wall on Palestinian land, affirming that "these developments are contrary to international law and the Road Map." The Council called on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution, regarding settlement activities in and around East-Jerusalem as well as in the Jordan valley are of particular concern.

"The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties," said the press release.

In this context, the EU emphasised its determination to play an active role in the framework of increased Quartet engagement, with a view to urgently put in place a political and diplomatic process offering a political perspective in the quest for a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict, in line with the Road Map and the relevant UNSC resolutions, and also taking into account the Arab League Beirut Declaration.

The Council underlined the need to work closely with the parties and regional partners.

A.D (22:36 P) (20:36 GMT)

Related News

Read More