Minister D'Alema speaks by telephone with Abu Mazen

26 June 2006 – In a telephone conversation today with President of the Palestinian National Authority Abu Mazen, Deputy Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Massimo D'Alema expressed his deep concern over the episode that took place yesterday at the Kerem Shalom border crossing resulting in the death of four persons and the abduction of Israeli Corporal Ghilad Shalit.
“We expect”, Minister D'Alema observed, “the situation not to take on features that could irreversibly hinder the international community's efforts to help Israel and Palestine resume peace negotiations”.
Minister D'Alema also expressed Italy's fervent hope that the Palestinians will do everything possible to procure the hostage's immediate release.
Israeli Prime Minsiter Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni were informed of the content of the conversation, within the framework of an initiative the Italian Foreign Ministry undertook yesterday with the Israeli government and the President of the Palestinian National Authority.

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Document Type: Press Release
Country: Italy
Subject: Incidents, Palestine question
Publication Date: 26/06/2006