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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."
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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