Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik met the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas today, Tuesday. Their meeting is a continuation of the Austrian Presidency’s intensive contacts with political leaders in the region, including the Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Foreign Minister Plassnik explicitly condemned the violent attacks on facilities of the EU and its Member States, and drew attention to the local authorities’ responsibility to provide security in all circumstances. “President Abbas and the Austrian Presidency have immediately endeavoured to defuse the situation. President Abbas has instructed the Palestinian Interior Minister to ensure protection without delay for EU citizens and facilities in the Palestinian Territories. We have also arranged for President Abbas to contact the UK Foreign Minister Straw on this matter”, she said.
With regard to the imminent formation of a government, Foreign Minister Plassnik endorsed the position of President Abbas, who has rejected Hamas’ draft government programme as inadequate. “President Abbas is an important partner, who in this decisive transitional phase advocates a Palestinian government that is aware of its responsibility and can work together with the international community. We have clearly stated our conditions for providing support to the new Palestinian government: non-violence, recognition of Israel’s right to exist and honouring of all existing agreements. Those ready for democracy must also be ready to embrace non-violence.”
President Abbas and Foreign Minister Plassnik expressed their desire to see a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "This requires both sides to refrain from all unilateral measures which could stand in the way of such a solution. It is essential to get back to the road map as soon as possible. Our common objective is a solution based on two states living side by side in peace and security”, Minister Plassnik said.
"The European Union is making a significant contribution to improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people. We are making a practical contribution to stabilising the region, including through the EU observers at the border in Gaza. The EU is prepared to keep up its commitment. Whether and in what form we can continue our work together is now up to the future Palestinian government", Plassnik continued.
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