Foreign Minister Tuomioja meets with PA President Abbas – Finnish Foreign Ministry press release/Non-UN document

On Thursday morning, Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja met with Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, who is visiting Finland. During the discussions Foreign Minister Tuomioja reminded the President of the European Union’s stand that the goal of the Middle Eastern peace negotiations should be a solution that involves two states and that includes all final status issues. He stated that Finland appreciates President Abbas' efforts to reopen the negotiations with Israel. The stand taken by President Abbas has been strengthened by the fact that he has required that the Hamas-led government respect all commitments. 

Tuomioja also stressed that the EU’s decision to freeze direct budget assistance is not meant to punish the Palestinians. The three conditions set for Hamas – i.e. renouncement of violence, recognition of Israel and commitment to the agreements made previously by the Palestinian National Authority – are the basic requirements for continuing contacts with the Palestinian National Authority.

President Abbas emphasised the importance to the Palestinians of rapid continuation of assistance also in the prevailing situation. He stated that the Palestinian economic situation is very poor and citizens suffer. Alternative channels for providing assistance can be found.