Brussels, 07/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 6 February, the EU welcomed the agreement between the rival Palestinian movements, Fatah and Hamas, on the formation of a provisional national unity government headed by Mahmoud Abbas. The European Union has constantly called for inter-Palestinian reconciliation under President Mahmoud Abbas, stressed Michael Mann, who is spokesman for the EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton. He went on to specify that the EU is ready to continue providing support, including financial support, to the new government if it “unambiguously and explicitly commits to non-violence”. It must also seek to reach a two-state solution, a peaceful negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and agree to earlier agreements and obligations including Israel's legitimate right to exist. The European Union, Mann said, looks forward to the prospect of elections.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz said, for his part, that he is looking forward to knowing the details of the composition of the new government and the exact date of legislative and presidential elections in Palestinian territories. He underlined his conviction that the electoral process will be inclusive and peaceful, going on to add that a Palestinian legislative council that really works, that is legitimate and multi-party, is in everyone's interest.
Fatah and Hamas agreed, on 6 February, to entrust Mahmoud Abbas with the leadership of a transitional government of independent persons entrusted with organising elections, thus lifting a major obstacle to application of the reconciliation agreement. (CG/transl.jl)