Presidency conclusions: Middle East – European Council press release/Non-UN document (extracts)

Council Conclusions
The conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council – 31 January 2005

Date of release : 31-01-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : General Affairs and External Relations Council

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS – Council Conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council welcomes the holding of the Palestinian presidential elections and their free and fair nature. It voices its respect for the responsibility and democratic maturity shown by the Palestinian people. It expresses its appreciation to Israel for the measures taken to facilitate the electoral process. It presents its warmest congratulations to President Mahmoud Abbas and undertakes to work with him and his Prime Minister towards the goal of realising legitimate Palestinian aspirations through the implementation of the road map as a matter of urgency. In this connection, the Council will develop the short-term action plan adopted by the European Council last November. The London meeting, which will take place on 1 March, will offer the international community an opportunity to support the efforts of the Palestinian President.

2. The Council is willing to support and encourage the efforts of the two parties to relaunch political contacts at all levels. To that end, the Council would urge all parties concerned to refrain from any act which would compromise the negotiations leading to a solution, by means of the process defined in the road map, based on the co-existence of the two States and leading to the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living alongside Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security.

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