Brussels, 25/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - CFSP High Representative Javier Solana welcomed in a press release on Tuesday "the US engagement spelt out in President Bush's speech, in efforts to overcome the crisis in the Middle East". "We share the same fundamental objective, the perspective of two States living side by side in peace and security", Mr Solana affirmed. He added: "And we agree on two basic conditions to reach that objective: an end to terrorism and an end to occupation". Mr Solana gave his assurance that the EU is ready to work actively within the Quartet and with Arab leaders to promote the negotiating process, and considers that the early convening of an international agreement, as agreed by the Quartet, is "more than ever necessary". Mr Solana recalls that the EU, in Seville, backed reform of the Palestinian Authority and expressed its readiness to "help the Palestinians to organise free and fair elections giving them an opportunity to choose their leaders". "We should deploy all political efforts to secure the right conditions for holding democratic elections. Israeli cooperation will be of essence to achieve this end", noted the High Representative. He went on to conclude: "As Israelis deserve security, Palestinians deserve help to reconstruct their economy and institutions in their territories. Reforms and political perspective of the Palestinian people go hand in hand". At no point in his declaration does Mr Solana mention the name of Yasser Arafat.