| France throws a condition to the Palestinian government |
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| World Affairs Talk | |
| Tuesday, 22 May 2007 | |
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Douste-Blazy said at a press briefing that this agreement initiates a process which should lead to the full recognition of Israel by all Palestinian factions, especially Hamas. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told journalists that the Palestinian unity government will likely be formed in the coming months and will constitute a political base that will enable them to begin working with the international community. Abbas said he was ‘happy’ that France was prepared to work with that government and would urge other countries to do likewise. Earlier, Abbas met with French President Jacques Chirac and asked him for help in reviving the stalled Mid-east peace process. Chirac in return said it was now up to various parties to ensure the Mecca agreement is confirmed in reality. The French president reminded Abbas that the international community expected the Palestinians to live up to certain commitments, such as recognizing the state of Israel. The European Union, Russia, the UN and the United States repeatedly demanded that the newly formed Palestinian government should renounce violence, recognise Israel and respect peace deals in order to receive Western aid; while Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said in a statement that a new Palestinian unity government does not satisfy the demands of the international community. A ban on direct Western financial assistance since Hamas came to power in March 2006 has pushed the Palestinian Authority to the brink of financial collapse which they no longer can pursuit. France’s positive nod comes as a breath saver for Palestine. Share & Bookmark             |
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