Schulz on the Doha Declaration on Palestinian Reconciliation

Commenting on the agreement between Fatah and Hamas on the formation of an interim national unity government headed by Mahmud Abbas, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:

"I welcome the announcement on the creation of a national Palestinian unity government. All parties in the Palestinian territories need to work towards Palestinian national reconciliation and state-building.

I look forward to the details of the composition of the new government and to the exact date for parliamentary and presidential elections in the Palestinian territories. I am confident that the electoral process will be inclusive and peaceful.

A functioning, legitimate and pluralist Palestinian Legislative Council is in everyone's interest. The European Parliament stands ready to offer its expertise and support, should an EU observation mission be deployed.

I urge the future Palestinian government to continue working in a peaceful way towards a comprehensive agreement with Israel on the basis of a two-state solution."