Berlin Backs Bush
July 18, 2007
Government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said Germany supported the goal of laying the foundation for "a successful Palestinian state" with which peace talks could be conducted.
A two-state solution in the Middle East needs a viable Palestinian state with an effective government, solid finances, a functioning economy and a society based on law and justice, he said.
Ulrich said former British Prime Minister Tony Blair had an important role to play as the representative of the Mideast Quartet, which is made up of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia. The quartet is expected to meet in Lisbon, Portugal, on Thursday.
Blair was picked last month by the quartet to help the Palestinians build up their institutions and promote international political and economic support.
Bolstering Fatah
In his initiative announced Monday, Bush said US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would chair a conference in the autumn that would consist primarily of the Israelis and Palestinians as well as Middle East countries committed to a two-state solution to the conflict.
Bush announced $190 million (137.8 million euros) in direct aid to the Palestinian government led by Prime Minister-Designate Salam Fayyad and $80 million for security.
He has sought to bolster Abbas' moderate Fatah government since the beleaguered Palestinian leader ousted Hamas from the government after the radical group seized control of Gaza.
Merkel phones Fayyad
The German spokesman said Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by telephone on Tuesday afternoon with Fayyad and offered her support for steps taken by his government to move forward with the peace process.
Fayyad briefed the chancellor on his efforts to establish an effective system of authority in the Palestinian areas, particularly in the security sector, Wilhelm said.
EU, Britain back plan
Others in Europe have also said they welcomed Bush's plan.
"The [Bush] speech has elements that were never said before," said the EU's foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana, adding that the 27-nation bloc would work side by side with the US in a determined effort to bring about an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband meanwhile said in a statement that "the international community should offer full support to those seeking a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict."
French officials, on the other hand, reportedly said they would support the initiative only if it addresses the final status of the Palestinian territories.