Abbas optimistic of Israeli peace deal
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-03 01:59

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday he was optimistic Palestinians and Israelis could take advantage of a "new era of peace and hope" to reach a final peace deal that will see the realization of Palestinian statehood.

The Palestinian leader, who held talks with senior European Union officials, reiterated he was serious in implementing reforms to rein in militants.

"Now we are talking about a new era of peace and hope," Abbas told reporters at EU headquarters. "I hope this support will continue ... Let's be optimistic."

Earlier, in talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Abbas said he wanted Palestinian statehood "as soon as possible."

Abbas was making his first visit as the new leader of the Palestinian Authority to EU headquarters to drum up support for his reforms to prepare for statehood.

"Unfortunately until now, this dream has not been possible," Abbas said.

He urged EU nations to "continue to play their role politically, economically and socially" to back Palestinians, especially in reconstruction efforts.

Abbas said he hoped the 25-nation bloc would continue to provide funding for the rebuilding of key infrastructure like schools, bridges, roads and seaports, some of which were destroyed in fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said "there was a very good opportunity for peace."

He said the EU's executive Commission, which is providing some $330 million in funding this year to the Palestinian Authority, was seeking commitments from Israelis to ensure building projects funded by the EU were not targeted.

"We are of course very disappointed to put it mildly to see that some concrete support that we have been giving with taxpayer's money to help the Palestinian people are destroyed," said Barroso. "We have to put an end to violence in that region."

Barroso also said the EU head office was looking into opening new trade ties with the Palestinian territories once Israel and the Palestinians agreed on a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

At an earlier meeting with Abbas, Solana said Palestinian statehood was welcomed "the sooner the better," adding that it "depends on the parties" — the Israelis and Palestinians — to draft a new date for setting up a Palestinian state.

"The European Union is going to be behind the Palestinian people for the realization of their dream," Solana said. "The dream is clear: to have one state and a state that can live together in peace with the neighboring state of Israel."

Abbas flew to Brussels after attending an international conference Tuesday on the Middle East in London, where he pledged to improve the Palestinian Authority's security services — a key demand of Israel and world donors.

Abbas won pledges Tuesday from the international community for at least $1.2 billion in financial aid for 2005.

Abbas also paid a short visit to European Parliament President Josep Borrell and King Albert II of Belgium.

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