BRUSSELS, June 4, 2013 (WAFA) – European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Tuesday welcomed in a statement the appointment of Rami Hamdallah as the new prime minister saying she is looking forward to working with him.

“Mr. Hamdallah has been appointed Prime Minister at a time when there is a real opportunity for a renewed peace process, but also at a time of difficult choices and challenges for Palestine,” said Ashton.

“I look forward to working closely with Dr. Hamdallah and to supporting the continuing work to build the institutions of a future sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on respect for democracy and human rights and living in peace and security with its neighbors.”

Ashton expressed “sincere appreciation” for outgoing Prime Minister Salam Fayyad for his “consistent and successful work to advance the Palestinian Authority's state-building efforts.”

The United States, Britain and Germany had also welcomed the appointment of Hamdallah.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a statement that Germany expects Hamdallah to continue with “the successful policy” of Fayyad “in building the state institutions in the Palestinian Territory and in looking for constructive solutions in the relations with Israel.”

He said that the appointment of Hamdallah comes “at a very important time for the peace process in the Middle East.”

M.S.