Javier Solana EU HR for the CFSP welcomes the vote in the Knesset on Gaza withdrawal

							                                                                                                       Brussels, 27 October 2004
               S0289/04




                                                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.

                                                ________________




                                               FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
                           Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP
                                 + 32 (0)2 285 6467 / 6217 / 8239 / 5150/ 5151    + 32 (0)2 285 5694
                                              internet: http://ue.eu.int/solana
                                             e-mail: presse.cabinet@consilium.eu.int