2. Israel/Palestinian Territories
Telephone conversation with the President of the Palestinian Authority
Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic
(Paris, 28/07/2014)
The President spoke on the telephone to Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.
He informed him that France was going to pay a first tranche of budgetary assistance of euro8 million to the Palestinian Authority, which will be added to the exceptional humanitarian assistance of euro3 million already released for the Gazan people.
Following on from the international meeting held in Paris on Saturday, he reiterated that France is fully engaged in efforts to get a ceasefire. With the security and humanitarian situation in Gaza calling for the whole international community to mobilize, the Head of State stressed to Mr Abbas the need to support the initiatives begun to secure a lasting truce, which meets the Palestinians' legitimate needs as regards economic development and civilian protection, like those of the Israelis as regards security. He stressed the need for the Palestinian Authority to be fully involved in efforts to this end on the basis of Egypt's initiative.
Finally, the Head of State signalled his firm belief that this crisis was highlighting the urgent need to restore a political horizon for the Palestinians and Israelis: only credible negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians could allow the signature of a fair, definitive settlement [agreement], establishing two states living side by side in peace and security./.
Country: France
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Economic issues, Gaza Strip, International presence, Negotiations and agreements, Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Population, Protection, Security issues, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 28/07/2014