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European Commission congratulates Mr
Mahmoud Abbas on his election as President
I am encouraged by the election for the
President of the Palestinian Authority which was held
yesterday and welcome the preliminary findings of the
European Union Election Observation Mission which state that
this was ‘a genuine effort to conduct a regular electoral
process’. I would like to congratulate Mr Mahmoud Abbas on
his election as President.
I would like, in particular, to underline the importance of
the role of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission
which should be permitted to operate in full independence.
The European Commission now attaches particular importance
to the organisation of credible Palestinian Legislative
Council elections later this year.
The presidential elections in Palestine are an important
step forward on the way to creating a democratic and viable
Palestinian state.
The Palestinian people need leaders with the legitimacy that
only credible elections can bring. I hope these elections
will help create the climate in which we all – the
Palestinians, Israelis, and the international community -
can return to a peace process worthy of the name.
We look to the new leadership to seize the chance to bring a
better future for the people of the region. The EU will
certainly support all those who sincerely seek a negotiated
settlement.
I am particularly pleased that the Commission was able to
contribute by organising and sending the EU's biggest ever
observation mission with 260 members.
The Commission has provided longstanding support to the
electoral process in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with
support and technical assistance since 2003 amounting to €14
million, and looks forward to continuing its assistance in
the run-up to legislative elections.
The Commission wishes to work closely with the Palestinian
Authority and the new Palestinian leadership to ensure that
the EU continues to make a positive contribution to the
implementation of the Quartet Roadmap and the aim of
establishing a democratic and viable Palestinian state
living in peace and security with Israel.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations
and European Neighbourhood Policy will continue to spearhead
Commission efforts in this regard, and will work towards
deepening relations with the Palestinian Authority through
the European Neighbourhood Policy and through our programmes
in support of reform, good governance, and economic
development.
José Manuel Barroso
President, European Commission |