24/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU supports Palestinian reconciliation. Questioned by EUROPE on the agreement between Hamas and the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) on the formation of a government of “national consensus”, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton recalled, on Thursday 24 April, the conclusions of the Council and the EU's call “for intra-Palestinian reconciliation behind the strong leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, in line with the principles set out in his speech of 4 May 2011, as an important element for the unity of a future Palestinian state and for reaching a two-state solution”. For the US, this agreement could “complicate” the efforts to relaunch the peace process, if the new Palestinian government does not commit on the principles of non-violence and recognition of the existence of the state of Israel. Israel has accused Abbas of having chosen Hamas and not peace. This new government, led by Abbas, is due to be constituted within five weeks. (CG)