A top European Union official says the bloc stands ready to provide Israel and the Palestinians with massive political, economic and security support as part of any peace agreement between them.
European Council President Donald Tusk says that the EU will “back up a peace deal with an unprecedented package of cooperation and support to both Israel and the future state of Palestine.”
Tusk says after talks in Brussels with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin that “a lasting peace in the region remains a top priority” for the EU.
President Rivlin responds, saying the issue should not hinder cooperation between Israel and the EU.
Rivlin says, “Promoting peace in the Middle East is a vital interest of Israel. At the same time, I believe that our special bilateral relations can grow and develop in an independent way.”
President of the European Council Donald Tusk with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin, June 21, 2016 (Mark Neiman/GPO)
EU foreign ministers expressed determination on Monday to throw the bloc’s weight behind Middle East peace moves and a possible international conference before the end of the year.
They invited EU agencies to present proposals “including on economic incentives, without delay.”
— With AP
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