Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Ashton Calls On Israel to Open Gaza Crossings

GAZA, January 25, 2012 (WAFA) - European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton Wednesday called on Israel to open Gaza crossings, and reiterated European Union's commitment to supporting people living in Gaza as well as the United Nations Refugee and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Ashton said, during a press conference held at the headquarters of UNRWA in Gaza City, “Our Political message is clear; siege on Gaza must be lift and people and goods must be allowed to move freely. We want the economy to grow in Gaza and we want people to be able to build a better economy, but this requires serious negotiations.”

She stressed the need for a settlement of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict through two-state solution, thus there must be negotiations to achieve that, calling for the continuation of Amman “exploratory” meetings between the two sides.

She commended the efforts of Jordanian King Abdullah II and hosting meetings between Palestinian and Israeli officials since the beginning January, considering “such talks not official, but at least it gives people a chance to talk to each other, which we welcome and support.”

She added: “I do not want these talks to be only for talks, however, these talks must achieve outcomes for the benefit of the Palestinian people and refugees.”

Upon arrival in Gaza, Ashton and UNRWA commissioner-general Filippo Grandi signed a €55.4 million financing agreement at UNRWA’s Gaza Training Centre.


Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA

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