Summary: EU Commission welcomes Israeli Palestinian progress on movement of people and goods (3 November 2005: Brussels)
The European Commission welcomes the progress made yesterday in talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on arrangements for movement of people and goods in Southern Gaza. It stands ready to play its part in responding to the request from both parties that the EU should provide a third party presence at the Palestinian border with Egypt, to facilitate the early reopening of the Rafah crossing point.
Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner said:
"In the coming days, I will be sending senior officials to the region to work together with the Council on exploring options for the EU to contribute to the reopening and efficient management of the border. This mission can play an important part in rebuilding confidence between the parties, and helping to kickstart the Palestinian economy in Gaza.
The Commission already provides extensive support to the Palestinian Authority to build up a modern and effective cusoms administration, and we have recently given a positive response to a Palestinian request to intensify this work. ".
She added "I look forward to discussing this matter in more detail with my colleagues in the council, and with the two parties when I visit the region next week".
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