Brussels, 30/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, High Representative of the EU for CFSP met the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahamoud Abbas on Tuesday in Cannes, to examine progress in the implementation of the Quartet's "road map" and the next stages of the peace process. Mr Solana introduced the Palestinian Prime Minister to the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East, Belgian, Marc Otte.
Javier Solana reaffirmed his total support for the reform policies of the Palestinian Prime Minister and his government. He also reiterated the need to reform the Palestinian security services and the need to put into place "more robust" structures in this field. Mr Solana held discussions on this point (on the telephone) with the Palestinian Minister for Security, Mohammed Dahlan, according to Reuters Christina Gallach, Mr Solana's spokesperson. Ms Gallach declared that, "We would like to see better organised security structures under Dahlan's authority, with the support of the international community in a way that they assume more responsibilities for the security of the Palestinian territories".
Mr Abbas informed Mr Solana about his meeting with President Bush last Friday. The Palestinian Prime Minister stated to AFP, that, "the most important thing was to have succeeded in clarifying to our interlocutors the real situation in the occupied territories".
Mr Abbas expected in Italy in August
The Palestinian Prime Minister has chosen Italy for his first official visit to an EU country, the country that is currently in charge of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. According to Reuters, Mahmoud Abbas will be in Rome on 25-26 August to meet Silvio Berlusconi. Mr Abbas has also requested an audience with Pope Jean-Paul II.