Brussels, 05/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Friday the European Council expressed solidarity with the Palestinians at this difficult time. In its conclusions, the Council encouraged the Palestinian leaders to demonstrate great sense of responsibility by ensuring the proper functioning of the Palestinian institutions, adding that it is vital for the legitimate leaders to continue to make steady progress towards peace in the Middle East. The EU25 maintain their commitment to the two-state solution and hailed the vote in the Knesset on 26 October in favour of a withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and a section of the West Bank, declaring their readiness to support this as the first state in the overall peace process. The Council supported the short-term security action plan, the reforms and elections proposed by the EU High Representative, saying it would support the electoral process in the Palestinian Territories. The European Council urged the Palestinian Authority to organise elections in line with international standards under the aegis of an independent electoral authority, and urged Israel to facilitate the elections.
At a press conference, EU High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, sent out a message of hope to the Palestinians in this moment of suffering. He said the EU would show its solidarity in this difficult moment. Palestinians may rest assured that Europe will make every effort and will work around the clock to achieve the creation of two independent, sovereign states, said Solana in response to a question.
The President of the European Council, Jan Peter Balkenende, refused to answer a question about life after Arafat, on the grounds that it would be inappropriate in the current situation to speculate on the situation following Mr Arafat's death.
Swedish foreign minister Laila Freivalds said she had full confidence in the Palestinian leaders to manage the current situation. Echoing numerous other heads of state, Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen hoped that in the aftermath of the American elections, new life would be given to the Middle East peace plan.
French President Jacques Chirac said that he hoped that whatever happened, the reform negotiations would continue and peace would be established for both countries in full harmony and respecting security for both. On Yasser Arafat's state of health, Chirac said he had spoken to him yesterday afternoon, and had shaken his hand. Chirac said he was being looked after by an excellent medical team.