Brussels, 17/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 17 July, EU High Representative for the CFSP began a tour of the Middle East. On Wednesday morning, he will meet Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Ramallah. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Solana will travel to Jerusalem where he will meet the new Israeli President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defence Minister Ehud Barak. On Thursday 19 July, Mr Solana will travel to Lisbon, for the international Quartet meeting on the Middle East, which will also be attended by the Quartet's new representative, Tony Blair.
Before leaving Brussels, Mr Solana had lunch with Mr Blair with whom he promised to “cooperate in a very strong manner”. Mr Solana told press that the Quartet's new envoy would have the “very important task” of helping “Palestinians to reunite and have one state”. “I am sure he will do this very well,” he added. In answer to a question on what should be done immediately, Mr Solana said: - continue to provide aid to all Palestinians, including in Gaza; - support talks between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert; - put the conditions in place for the political process. (hb/oj)