EU could back Gaza pullout
2004-06-20 21:40
Cairo - France's foreign minister, due to arrive in Egypt on Sunday, told an Egyptian newspaper that the European Union was prepared to back Israel's anticipated withdrawal from the Gaza Strip under certain conditions.
Michel Barnier, who will spend two days in Egypt as part of a Middle East tour, is expected to meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, Egypt's pointman on the Middle East, Omar Suleiman, and Arab League chief Amr Mussa.
Israel's intention to evacuate Gaza and some West Bank settlements, "must be taken into consideration," the official Al-Ahram daily quoted Barnier.
"The European Union has taken note of this commitment. It is prepared to offer support under certain conditions," he said.
Barnier said the withdrawal could be an important step towards implementing the EU-backed roadmap peace plan as long as it moves towards a two-state solution and does not transfer settlers to the West Bank, the newspaper said.
Responsibilities must also be transferred to the Palestinian Authority and Israel should "facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza," Barnier said.
Egypt has offered to send up to 200 personnel to the Gaza Strip to train a 30,000-strong force to maintain security in the territory during and after next year's promised Israeli pullout.
The foreign minister welcomed Egypt's offer to underpin security in the territory and said France was "ready to collaborate in the process as a nation state and as part of Europe".
Asked about Iraq, Barnier said the international community must unite to help rebuild the shattered country, and said France - a major opponent of the 2003 US-led invasion - was ready to play a part.
"Countries in the region, particularly Egypt, and the international community, can play a major role in working together to support the Iraqi people and the future sovereign government towards the political and economic reconstruction of the country.
"France and the European Union are ready to play their part in this effort."