17.07.2010 Catherine ASHTON meets the Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah in Jerusalem

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine ASHTON visited the Middle East for the second time in four months from July 17 to 19. During her three-day visit, Ms ASHTON met leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, along with U.S. Senator George MITCHELL and Quartet Envoy Tony BLAIR.
 
From her arrival in Jerusalem on Saturday 17, the High Representative also met with Colonel Alain FAUGERAS, Head of EUBAM Rafah and Commissioner Henrik MALMQUIST, Head of EUPOL COPPS in the office of the EU Representative to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Ms ASHTON and the heads of the two Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions operating in the region discussed the latest developments of the Missions’ main issues and activities.
 
Regarding the Gaza Strip and the opening of the crossing points, Ms ASHTON stressed the need for full and effective implementation of the new Israeli policy to improve the lives of the people of Gaza. She insisted that the “Agreement on Movement and Access should remain the key framework” and that “the EU stands ready to support the opening of the Gaza crossings for the traffic of goods to and from Gaza”.
 
The High Representative also stated that “improving the economic situation in the Gaza Strip is not simply a matter of letting in aid: to revitalize the local economy, private sector development and commercial activity – including exports – are crucial. Movement of persons and trade between Gaza and the West Bank should be one of the key objectives.”
 
On Sunday 18, the High Representative visited the Gaza Strip to see the situation on the ground, met with UNRWA and launched the EU-PA “Private Sector Reconstruction in Gaza” (PSRG) Programme with a visit to two beneficiary private sector businesses. This programme, established by the Palestinian Authority, is the first large-scale initiative in support of the private sector in the Gaza Strip. The EU contributed €4,8 million, as the first installment to the programme, out of a total package of €22 million.