Situation in the Palestinian territories – Statement by the French Government/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Situation in the Palestinian territories (June 13, 2007)

In view of the accelerated deterioration in the situation in the Gaza Strip, France calls on all Palestinian movements to stop the current fighting immediately and restore calm. It also calls for the re-establishment of the spirit of the Mecca agreements and the formation of the national unity government. It is essential to preserve this achievement.

We reaffirm our support for President Abbas and his political approach of bringing the Palestinians together in a national unity government. We call on the international community, in particular the European Union, to resume direct budget aid to the Palestinian government according to the modalities defined by Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad. What is at stake is the stabilization of the Palestinian Territories, support for moderates and the revival of the peace process.