'The "London meeting" on Palestine can deliver real benefits', says Graham Watson

12.07.50pm GMT Wed 2nd Mar 2005

Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, called for the London conference held today to "deliver real benefits" to the Palestinian people. Set up by the UK, the 'London meeting' is gathering over twenty states and six international institutions, including the Quartet, Arab States and the donor community, to address the Palestinian Authority's needs and to strengthen its institutions.

"The level of attendance at this meeting shows how seriously the international community is taking the Palestinian leadership's efforts in building a context that will bring about peace", Graham Watson declared. "The meeting is all about providing support for the Palestinians to go forward", he added.

Following a ceasefire agreement concluded recently during the Sharm el Sheik Summit, this international encounter provides a fresh context for President Mahmoud Abbas to outline concrete steps the PA plans to take in three key areas: good governance, effective security and renewed economic development. In return, the international community has promised to offer its practical support by providing follow-up mechanisms in these three areas, including financial support and training for Palestinian security forces.

Speaking on the Middle East at the European Parliament in Brussels on the 1st March, Graham Watson said: "This meeting empowers the Palestinian Authority to prepare successfully for the anticipated Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. The PA must seize this opportunity of international assistance but also take responsibility for cracking down on all those who would destroy the Peace along with innocent lives. Although the meeting is not a peace conference, such practical steps and clear targets will pave the way for a political agreement based on a two-State solution and confidence between the two parties", he said. "The EU must stand ready to offer support for this further development of the peace process. In particular, the EU and the US will have to put pressure on Israel to keep its side of the bargain", he concluded.