New role for the EU in Gaza
09 December 2010 News
“The EU can participate in the normalizing of the situation in Gaza and in the creation of a sustainable economy”, said the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov during the joint press conference with the Deputy Prime-Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Israel Avigdor Lieberman. They met as part of the official visit of the Israeli Minister in Bulgaria.
„The EU’s role in Gaza is very important not only in regards to humanitarian aid but also for border protection and security”, said Lieberman.
The Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov expressed hope from Bulgarian side for the continuation of the dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis for the normalization of the situation in the region and for achieving peace and stability.
In his view it is essential to allow the free movement of goods to and from the Gaza Strip, in order to build a concrete growing economy in the interest of the people from that area. However, this should be done by ensuring strict conditions and guarantees for the safety of the State of Israel, noted Mladenov.
According to the Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman there is progress made in the Israeli-Palestinian relations in the economy and security areas. „We believe in the direct negotiations with the Palestinians without any preconditions and mediators”, said Lieberman.
Minister Lieberman expressed the warm gratitude of the State of Israel for the help given in fighting the fires and described it as „help from true friends”.