On the Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Home Rule
on withdrawal of Israeli security forces from Gaza and Bethlehem
Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Per Stig Møller states the following on the agreement between Israel and the Palestinians on withdrawal of Israeli security forces from Gaza and Bethlehem, concluded on Sunday 19 August 2002:
"I welcome the agreement concluded this Sunday between Israel and the Palestinians on withdrawal of Israeli security forces from Gaza and Bethlehem pari passu with the Palestinian Home Rule assuming the responsibility for security and the fight against terrorism in the areas in question.
It is, however, regrettable that today Israeli troops have entered Tulkarem, where two Palestinians were killed and one injured in a shooting between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinians in the Tulkerem refugee camp.
The parties must not allow such setbacks to destroy the fledgling political process. Quite the contrary, they must continue the endeavours to make further progress that may contribute towards creating the conditions for the necessary rebuilding of trust between the parties and their populations.
I see the agreement on withdrawal now concluded as a significant contribution to facilitating the implementation of Palestinian reforms and, at a later date, Palestinian elections.
The Danish Government and the EU are ready to continue supporting the endeavours of the parties to initiate a political process that may bring an end to the occupation and lead to the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, in peaceful co-existence."
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Country: Denmark
Subject: Peace proposals and efforts
Publication Date: 19/08/2002