Brussels, 04/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 3 June, the European Union took note of the establishment of a Palestinian national consensus government headed by outgoing Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, describing it as “an important step in the process of Palestinian reconciliation”.
While recalling that the process of Palestinian reconciliation faces many challenges, the European External Action Service (EEAS) stated that it also creates “new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank”.
The EU welcomed the appointment of a government of independent personalities. It also welcomed the declaration by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that “this new government is committed to the principle of the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, to the recognition of Israel's legitimate right to exist, to non-violence and to the respect of previous agreements” . “The EU's engagement with the new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and commitments”, the EEAS warned - as have the UK, France and Belgium
The leader of the European Parliament's S&D Group, Hannes Swoboda, believed that this new government “could be the first step to peace for the whole Palestinian territory”. “The new Palestinian government is a chance for Palestinians to fight for the interests of all Palestinians in a united way”, he said, adding that it is important that the living conditions and freedom of movement of the Palestinians improve. “It is good that all members of this new non-partisan government, which does not include any Hamas members, are accepting the basic and agreed conditions to find a peace agreement with Israel”, he added. Swoboda called on the EU and its member states to continue their financial support for the new government.
Several member states also welcomed this new government. British Foreign Secretary William Hague hailed the announcement of the formation of a new interim technocratic government. “Reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to peace is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict”, he said, adding that the UK's continued support to the new government will depend on the new Palestinian government's commitment to the principle of non-violence, and an acceptance of all previous agreements and obligations, including Israel's right to exist. “We now look to the new government to demonstrate these commitments through its actions as well as its words”, Hague added, who spoke to Hamdallah by telephone.
Belgium's Minister for Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders hoped that this new team composed of independent personalities “will be a decisive step in the intra-Palestinian reconciliation”. “The formation of the government of national unity is the first step towards implementing the reconciliation agreement concluded on 23 April”, said France's Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius.
The new government, composed of 17 ministers and including 5 from Gaza, was sworn in on 2 June. Its priority is to prepare for the presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of the year. (CG)