EJP | News | EU’s foreign policy chief Javier Solana back to Mideast arena

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EU’s foreign policy chief Javier Solana back to Mideast arena

Updated: 17/Oct/2006 16:59

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana

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LUXEMBOURG (EJP)--- The European Union has urged Palestinians factions to end their internal strife and forge a government of national unity. This would allow the international community to end its boycott of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.

“Such a government would be a key factor for allowing the EU to pursue its goal of strengthening the capacity of Palestinian institutions.,” said a press release issued after a meeting of the 25 EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the ministers agreed to send EU’s chief policy Javier Solana to the Mideast.

"We are ready to normalize relations with the Palestinians as soon as there is a government we can work with," EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, told journalists.

A government of national unity - including members of Fatah and the Hamas group - provided the "best way" for meeting international demands that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce violence and comply with past treaties, said Ferrero-Waldner.

The EU statement voiced support for Palestinian President Mahoud Abbas.

Hamas has so far rejected several Arab initiatives aimed at creating a Palestinian unity government.

The EU and the US cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority following the election victory of Hamas in January.

Hamas is classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU.

But humanitarian aid for Palestinians is continuing under a so-called Temporary Aid Mechanism (TIM) which was extended for a further three months.

The EU announced last week that it had given 651 million euros in aid to benefit 160,000 Palestinian families this year through the temporary programme.

Solana to travel to Middle East

EU foreign ministers also decided that EU’s policy chief Javier Solana will travel to the Middle East next week to try and ease current tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and between Palestinian factions.

European Union foreign ministers endorsed plans Tuesday to send EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana to the Middle East to assess efforts in trying to revive the stalled Middle East peace process.

Solana would visit Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, and meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

"We don't see any forward movement for the time being," said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, reflecting EU frustrations over the Palestinian Hamas-led government refusal to meet international demands to renounce violence and recognize Israel.

The EU said last week that it had given €651 million (US$816 million) in aid to benefit 160,000 Palestinian families this year through the temporary funding program.