EU Presidency statement on the formation of the Palestinian government

Statement by the Presidency of the European Union on the formation of the Palestinian government and the vote of confidence by the Palestinian Legislative Council:

The Presidency of the European Union warmly welcomes the formal approval of the new Palestinian Government by the Palestinian Legislative Council. We see this approval, as well as the appointment of a Palestinian Prime Minister, as hopeful signposts along the road towards defusing the conflict and returning to the negotiations table. We also count on this new government for pursuing with greater resolve the necessary policies of reform, especially in the field of law and order.

We also believe that time is ripe for the promulgation of the Quartet's roadmap. It is for the benefit of regional peace and stability that parallel progress be made in all three tracks - security, political and economic. It is evident that such progress will be the most effective instrument against extremism and terrorism.

At this critical juncture for the region, we call upon both parties to refrain from all sorts of acts of aggression, violence and terrorism and take the responsibility of implementing the roadmap. We also call upon them to prepare themselves for painful albeit inevitable compromises in order to reach peace based on a two-state solution. The European Union is ready to help, as it has done all through the Peace Process, both parties to accomplish these most important tasks.

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• EU supports reform of PA with new forms of aid (30/4/2003)
• Joint Statement by the Quartet - The Road Map (30/4/2003)