EUHR meets Palestinian Prime Minister on Road Map progress – EU press release/Non-UN document

EU High Representative for CFSP meets Palestinian Prime Minister to encourage progress in the implementation of the Road Map

Brussels, 29 June 2003 – Javier Solana, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, met today in Cannes (France) with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mr Mahmud Abbas, to discuss progress in the implementation of the Quartet "Road Map" for the Middle East.

Mr Solana travelled to the south of France to discuss with Mr Abbas the next steps in the process of implementation of peace efforts. In the course of the meeting, he reaffirmed the total support of the European Union to the reformist policies of the Palestinian Prime Minister and his government. He also reiterated the EU determination to continue its constructive engagement with the parties through the Quartet for a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis.

They discussed developments in the region, including in the field of security, and addressed measures to make the Palestinian security structures more robust. The Palestinian Prime Minister briefed the HR on his recent contacts in Washington with the US Administration and Congress. Javier Solana introduced to Mr Abbas the new Middle East EU Special Representative, Ambassador Marc Otte.