EU urges Palestinian push against terrorists
17/06/2005 - 09:55:31European Union leaders were to urge the Palestinian Authority to demonstrate determination to combat terrorism and reorganise its security services, according to a draft statement today.
In the text, which is to be adopted at the EU summit, the leaders call on the Palestinian Authority to fulfil all its security obligations and set as soon as possible a date for organising free and fair parliamentary elections.
The peaceful transition of power that followed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s death last year and Israel’s planned withdrawal from Gaza in August have created an opportunity for progress toward a resolution of the conflict, the statement said.
“It is crucial that the parties of the conflict make every effort to … avoid a new escalation of violence,” it reads.
The leaders also are to condemn the recent politically motivated attacks and assassinations in Lebanon and appeal to the Lebanese authorities to continue to support an international investigation of the February 14 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Hariri’s slaying caused an uproar in Lebanon, sparking massive anti-Syrian street protests that led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops after 29 years of political and military dominance.
<-- BACK TO STORY