EU High Representative for CFSP welcomes Knesset vote on Gaza withdrawal – EU press release/Non-UN document

Brussels, 27 October 2004

S0289/04

Javier Solana,

EU High Representative for the CFSP,

welcomes the vote in the Knesset on Gaza withdrawal

Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following comments today after yesterday night's vote in the Knesset on Prime Minister Sharon's Gaza withdrawal plan:

"I congratulate the Israeli Government and the Israeli Parliament on the vote yesterday in the Knesset, which is a historic move which could enhance hopes for the peace Israelis and Palestinians deserve. It is a first but meaningful and important step towards the two-state solution supported by the international community through the Road Map elaborated by the Quartet."

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The EU's position (European Council, March 2004) has been that the withdrawal could represent a significant step towards the implementation of the Road Map, provided that: it took place in the context of the Road Map; it was a step towards a two-State solution; it did not involve a transfer of settlement activity to the West Bank; there was an organised and negotiated hand-over of responsibility to the Palestinian Authority; and Israel facilitated the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza.

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