Date :18 Jul 2010
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton met with premier Salam Fayyad on Saturday evening, reiterating her call on Israel to open all Gaza crossings ahead of her scheduled visit to the Strip.

Ashton said the EU "is ready to play a role at the crossings provided that a number of conditions are met," as she called on Israel for a "full and effective implementation of the new Israeli policy to improve the lives of the people of Gaza and meet their needs for humanitarian and commercial goods."

The EU official further said improving the economic situation in Gaza "is not simply a matter of letting in aid - it is a matter of revitalizing the local economy."

"For a fundamental change, private sector development and commercial activity, including exports, will be crucial," Ashton said, expressing hope that the crossings' capacity would be expanded, and the the Palestinian Authority would return to the Strip.

She added that the Agreement on Movement and Access should remain the key framework for the transfer of goods into and out of Gaza, as well as the free movement of Gaza residents outside of the Strip.

Ashton further announced a €40 million contribution to the Palestinian Authority as "direct support" for Fayyad's statehood plan.

"Palestinian statehood is critical for any peaceful, workable and lasting solution. We discussed his state-building plan and our strong support for it," Ashton said.

Fayyad and Ashton further discussed ongoing proximity talks between Palestinian and Israeli leaders, saying " It is time to get engaged in serious and substantive talks."

"We want to see confidence building measures and avoid measures that undermine the peace process," she added, expressing concern for recent Israeli violations in East Jerusalem, which she described as "counterproductive."

The EU official is scheduled to visit Gaza on Sunday, where she will launch the EU-PA Business Recovery Program with a visit to EU funded projects to support private sector development. source: ma'an