World Jewish News

Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission will visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories. ''Israel is a close partner with which we have important political relations based on shared values and intense economic, social, cultur

During visits to Jerusalem and Ramallah, Barroso to express EU's commitment to negotiated solution in Mideast peace process

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso’s 4-day first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories "is a testimony to the importance the Commission attaches to the relations with these important members of our Southern Neighbourhood.territory," the Commission said Thursday.
"It will also be an opportunity to express the EU's longstanding commitment to a negotiated solution in the framework of the Middle East peace process that guarantees a just and lasting settlement of the conflict," a spokesperson said.
"The visit will also offer an occasion to discuss with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders the situation in the region, notably the transitions taking place in the Arab world, the situation in Syria and Iran."
Barroso will travel to the region from Cyprus where he is due to meet on Friday in Nicosia the leaders of this country which took over the 6-month rotating presidency of the European Union since July 1.
On Sunday, the President of the EU executive body will meet in Ramallah with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
On Monday, in Jerusalem, he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Speaker of the Knesset Reuven Rivlin before participating in an official dinner hosted by President Shimon Peres.
During his stay, President Barroso will also pay visits to Yad Vashem and to the Israel Museum. On Tuesday, he will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Haifa.
The Commission spokesperson stressed that Israel is a close partner "with which we have important political relations based on shared values and intense economic, social, cultural and scientific links."
The EU is Israel's leading trade partner with a total volume of trade amounting to 29.4 billion euros in 2011.
The EU also has close relations with the Palestinian Authority and has been firmly supporting the Palestinian state-building process.
The EU is also the largest donor to the Palestinian Authority contributing with over half of total international financial assistance.
Barroso will attend the inauguration of the EU-funded Palestine College for Police Sciences in Jericho and signed a new €20 million financing agreement.

EJP