27/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - The High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, has congratulated in a press release the Israeli government and parliament for the Knesset vote, on Tuesday, on plans to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, which was proposed by Prime Minister Sharon. This, Mr Solana said, is "an historic step which may encourage hopes and a peace which the Israelis and the Palestinians deserve"? This is just a "first step, but it is a significant and important step towards the two-State solution supported by the international community via the roadmap drawn up by the Quartet", repeated Mr Sharon (see also EUROPE of 26 October, p.4).