Summary: 26 November 2007, Annapolis, MD - Opening remarks by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, at the Annapolis International Conference on the Middle East
Today's conference marks the revival of a credible political process with full engagement of both parties.
The European Union is ready to take its responsibilities in this new situation: support the negotiations that will follow today's conference, continue our active involvement in the Quartet and step up our assistance for state-building.
In the context of our growing regional role, we will be in a good position to offer increased incentives to all actors involved, in order to accompany progress towards a resolution of the conflict.
Only an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state can be a reliable partner for Israel and its neighbours. This is why security and Palestinian Institution-Building are two key elements of Phase I of the Roadmap, as is progress by the Israeli Government towards the needed concessions on movement, access and all other obstacles that currently hinder the functioning of the Palestinian Government and economy.
These concessions can create a win-win situation, where the conditions are created for Palestinian economy recovers and the Palestinian Authority can build up its capacity to impose law and order. We are read to give our full support to this development.
Palestinian state-building requires full ownership by the Palestinian Authority. EU support will be fully in line with the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.
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