FMs of Estonia and Palestinian Authority Hope for Successful Conclusion to Peace Process

04.11.2008

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki in Marseille. Topics discussed at the meeting were the situation in Palestine and the peace process. The ministers also discussed co-operation with the European Union for advancing the peace process and bilateral relations.

According to Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki, the European Union plays a very important role in backing the Middle East peace process. Estonian Foreign Minister Paet stated that the peace process that began in Annapolis must continue regardless of the extraordinary election taking place in Israel in February of next year. “The peace process must progress and it must end with the creation of the Palestinian state,” said Paet. “The promises made at the Annapolis meeting must be adhered to, and moves that would jeopardise the negotiations process should be avoided,” said Paet.

In addition, Foreign Minister Paet stated that the European Union Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), to which Estonia also contributes, must continue. “It is surely necessary to also extend the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point,” he added.

Paet said that Estonia will help to increase the capabilities of the Palestinian security and public sectors. “We consider achieving peace in the Middle East to be essential from a regional and global security standpoint,” said Paet. At the end of last year, Estonia decided to support the Palestine-Israel peace process that was re-initiated at the Annapolis meeting with 12 million kroons (1 million USD) during the years 2008-2010. According to the foreign minister, this is the largest contribution Estonia has ever made for the resolution of a global conflict. “We hope that this sum will help with the creation of a Palestinian state, including the creation of effective security forces, and help to hold off future armed attacks against residents,” said Paet.

Paet and al-Maliki also talked about bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Paet stated that Palestine asked Estonia to share its experiences with constructing an e-state. “Currently we are making preparations to help Palestine develop an e-state and e-government,” Paet said.

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