President Barroso's statement on the Middle East declaration
Brussels, 9 February 2005
"I strongly welcome the truce declared yesterday by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
It is my sincerest hope that this will lead to a definitive end to years of violence in the Middle East and put us back on the path towards a lasting peace between two states – Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state – living side by side in peace and security in the framework of a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, as laid out in the Roadmap.
I urge Israelis and the Palestinians to pursue this goal with determination. As Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner has indicated, the European Commission stands ready to support the next steps with concrete help worth €250 million."
Document Sources: European Commission
Subject: Negotiations and agreements, Palestine question, Peace proposals and efforts
Publication Date: 09/02/2005