” “” “"President Abbas has clearly showed his determination to form a government in the Palestinian Territories which will abide by the international rules. We fully support him in this difficult task". This is today’s opening, with a statement from the President of the EU Commission, José Manuel Barroso, of a decisive week for the relations between the EU and the Palestinian Authority after the outcome of the January elections that saw Hamas win. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will make an address to the 25-member Parliament in Strasbourg next Wednesday; then, he will meet some political groups; in addition, he will meet Barroso and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in charge of Foreign Relations and Neighbours Policies for the EU. Barroso explained that the EU is asking the new government "to set up a new governing system that will give relinquish violence and recognise Israel". Brussels has recently allocated 120 million euros as an extra subsidy to "cater to the population’s needs", "basic services" and to support the Palestinian public finances. Ferrero-Waldner added: "The European Union will keep being a firm partner for the Palestinian people"; "commitment will be proportional to the peace-seeking efforts".” “” “
