Abbas asks EU for aid and calls on Palestinian authority to respect International Agreements

6.36.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th May 2006

At the formal sitting today in the European Parliament, Graham WATSON, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, addressed the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas:

"President Mahmoud Abbas' touching plight has yet again reminded us of the devastating conditions in which the Palestinian population is living in. He rightly pointed out to the House that cutting aid to the Palestinians would clearly exacerbate the economic, political and social situation on the ground. Despite the difficulties faced, Mahmoud Abbas urges for the Palestinian national aspiration to respect international commitments taken by the previous Palestinian Authority".

"At such a crucial juncture, President Abbas has sent a clear and strong message, both to the European Union as well as to Israel and the Hamas government. On one hand, the European Union must do all it can to ensure an immediate, smooth and generous delivery of essential assistance to the Palestinians through the international mechanism as recently proposed by the Quartet. The EU should also step up pressure on Israel to ensure it respects its duty to transfer tax revenues to the Palestinians. On the other hand, Hamas must commit itself to the core principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous obligations".

"A conjunction of these elements will create the conditions in which talks between both parties could resume, as is the wish expressed by President Abbas today".