President Prodi and Commissioner Patten welcome new PA Cabinet
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Summary |
April 30, 2003: President Romano Prodi and Commissioner Chris Patten welcome the approval by the Palestinian Legislature of the new Palestinian Authority Cabinet (Brussels) |
The President of the European Commission Romano Prodi, and the Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten, today welcomed the formal approval of the new Palestinian Cabinet by the Palestinian Legislative Council.
They said: "Yesterday's vote in the Palestinian Legislature is an important step forward, marking the commitment by the Palestinians to a democratic and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Commission looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and his team. We count on the Palestinian Authority to use its influence to support the peace process and to combat violence and terrorism, such as the deplorable bombing in Tel Aviv yesterday. We must not allow violent extremism to prevent political progress."
The European Commission welcomes the Prime Minister's speech in which the main elements of the new Government's programme were outlined, and notably the commitment to re-engage in the peace process and to accelerate reform efforts.
The Commission will continue to support the Palestinians in their reform efforts and the new Government's programme particularly in the areas of rule of law, financial reform and the preparation of elections.
The European Commission urges all parties to take the necessary steps to implement the Roadmap.
Ref: EC03-105EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 30/4/2003
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: European Commission, European Union (EU)
Subject: Electoral issues, Palestine question, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 02/05/2003