Federal Minister Fischer welcomes agreement on an Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire
On 8 February Federal Foreign Minister Fischer issued the following statement in Wellington, New Zealand, on the occasion of the Middle East summit in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt):
"The Federal Government strongly welcomes the recent progress made in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Notably the ceasefire agreed today is a great step forward: an end to terror and violence is the key to reviving the Middle East peace plan.
Egypt and Jordan deserve respect and thanks for their constructive and persevering efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The renewed US engagement is also of crucial importance.
Everything must now be done to support the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in pursuing the courageous course on which they are embarked.
Together with its partners the Federal Government will spare no effort to reinforce the developing momentum. What is needed now are resolute efforts aimed at realizing the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and within recognized borders. There must at long last be an end to the suffering endured by people on both sides of the conflict."
published: 08.02.2005
Country: Germany
Subject: Negotiations and agreements, Palestine question, Peace proposals and efforts
Publication Date: 08/02/2005