Joint statement by EUHR Solana and UK FS Straw on Israeli-Palestinian Agreement on Movement and Access

EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, representing the EU Presidency, today issued a joint statement welcoming the "Agreement on Movement and Access" between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

"We are delighted to see the outcome of the talks that have been taking place between Israel and the Palestinian Authority over the last few days. This agreement has been the result of intensive work by the EU, Jim Wolfensohn, the US and of course the parties themselves.

This is extremely good news. These issues are fundamental to improving the humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza as well as essential for promoting peaceful economic development. This agreement signifies a major breakthrough and we hope that both sides will now make every effort to ensure that the commitments made are now translated into reality.

For its part, the EU is willing in principle to provide assistance with the operation of crossings at Gaza's borders on the basis of an agreement between the parties. We are now undertaking the necessary preparations and planning. With this border control monitoring mission, the EU will significantly reinforce its role in the field of security in the region."

See also: Agreed documents by Israel and Palestinians on Movement and Access from and to Gaza

| Haut |

• EUHR Solana to visit Palestinian Terrorities (16/12/2005)
• EU Commission contributes €14m to Euro-Palestinian Credit Guarantee Fund  (13/12/2005)
• EUHR Solana condemns terrorist attack in Netanya, Israel (5/12/2005)
• EU Commissioner Michel comments on visit to Khan Yunis refugee camp and Rafah Border Crossing (30/11/2005)
• Food security: EU Commissioner Michel signs EUR 14m agreement with UNRWA  (30/11/2005)
• EU Commissioner Michel visits Palestinian territories to assess humanitarian emergency (25/11/2005)
• EU Border Assistance Mission for Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) (25/11/2005)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions (22/11/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions - Middle East Peace Process (21/11/2005)
• EUHR Solana remarks on agreement on Rafah (15/11/2005)
• EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on Israeli-Palestinian agreement on Gaza border crossing  (15/11/2005)
• Quartet Statement on Middle East Peace Process  (9/11/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions - Middle East Peace Process (7/11/2005)
• EU Commission welcomes Israeli Palestinian progress on movement of people and goods (3/11/2005)