09/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the European Council welcomed the Mecca agreement of 8 February 2007 on the formation of a Palestinian government of national unity (negotiations are on-going, but have not yet concluded). EU heads of state and government praised, in particular, the role played by Saudi Arabia and by Arab leaders in the Palestinian reconciliation process. The EU also confirmed their commitment to a resumption of cooperation with a legitimate Palestinian government which adopted a programme which took account of the Quartet's three demands: renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and acceptance of the agreements signed in the past by the PLO. (hb)