Brussels, 20/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - The President of the EU Council, Jean Asselborn, met the new Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, in Gaza on Thursday. Mr Abbas has accepted Europe's invitation to meet EU Foreign Ministers within the framework of the General Affairs Council of 21 February in Brussels.
On Wednesday, Jean Asselborn had met Israeli President Moshe Katzav in Jerusalem, as well as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom. Speaking before the press, Asselborn stressed the importance that the EU attaches to its relations with Israel as well as to seeking a just and lasting solution in the Middle East. “The European Union sees Israel as a friend and key partner. Our relations are on a basis. There are cultural and historical links between us. The European Union is Israel's number one trade partner”, he stressed. The EU's action plan recently adopted for Israel in the context of European Neighbour Policy will strengthen political, security, economic, scientific and cultural relations between the EU and Israel, Mr Asselborn said. On the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Asselborn assured Sharon of “the full support of the European Union and of its Member States in seeking a negotiated, just and sustainable solution to the conflict that has gone on far too long”. “I hope I am quite clear: the European Union unreservedly condemns terrorism. There can be no justification for terrorist action. It is imperative to put an end to terrorism. No-one should have to live under the threat of attacks or firing from Qassam rockets”. Asselborn explained that the EU had “noted” the very clear declarations made on this subject by the new Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. “We are counting on determined action on his part”, he said. The Council president was nonetheless adamant that both sides should seize this “window of opportunity” that opened after the recent Palestinian elections in order to revive the peace process. “One should not allow such terrorist acts to sabotage the legitimate aspirations for peace held by the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. The European Union will continue to support all those who aspire to security and peace (…). European integration shows that reconciliation and reconstruction of a common future are possible after generations of war and suffering”, Mr Asselborn stressed. Ariel Sharon insisted when speaking to the press that Israel will not tolerate continuation of terrorist attacks from the occupied territories. “Today I demanded of the European Union to do everything in its power to bring about the necessary Palestinian actions (…). Europe can make no greater contribution to bringing peace to this region than bringing the reign of Palestinian terror to an end”, the Israeli Prime Minister said. Ariel Sharon above all called on the EU to include the Hezbollah in the list of terrorist organisations.