RIYADH, 1 March 2005 — Today’s meeting in London on “Supporting the Palestinian Authority” is expected to rally the international community in support of PA’s plans to build the institutions of a viable Palestinian state.
The day’s event will be attended by a host of ministerial level delegates from more than 20 countries including the Gulf states. Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal will lead the Kingdom’s delegation to the meeting chaired by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“The meeting is intended to prepare the way for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and from the towns in the north of the West Bank and eventually, in accordance with whatever agreed internationally from the rest of the occupied territory,” British Ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles told reporters here yesterday.
He added that it will also offer practical support and solidarity to the PA in establishing its authority politically and economically in terms of providing security over the areas protected by the Israeli security forces.
Sir Cowper-Coles noted that the meeting takes place at a moment of opportunity for Palestinians and Israelis. “It will build on the positive momentum created by the meeting between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Mahmoud Abbas at Sharm Al-Shaikh on Feb. 8,” he added.
“We have also discussed our thinking with Israel. Since the focus of the meeting is on how the international community can help the Palestinian Authority, we and the Israeli government have agreed Israel will not attend,” he said.
The envoy indicated that the meeting would include a strategic work program presented by the Palestinian Authority on governance, security and economic development, including commitments.
The United Kingdom, he said, anticipates the international community to respond by offering practical support. “On its part, the UK offers practical advice on the ground to rebuild the security forces and the capacity of Palestinian Authority as well as its government to exercise effective sovereignty.”
Describing the meeting as the symbol of international solidarity for the new Palestinian government at this critical time in the peace process, Sir Cowper-Coles said, it also meant to encourage the international community particularly the US administration, European Union and friendly and concerned neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for an important role to play to engage with the Authority and offer different kinds of help.
He pointed out that the new Palestinian leadership is determined to improve its capacity to deliver real benefits to the Palestinian people. “Implementation of the plans they set out at the London meeting would also constitute a major step in implementing the PA’s commitments under the road map. The London meeting should therefore help support the political process.”
A series of programs are expected to follow the meeting. They would include an agreement to set up a US-led coordinating group on security to provide practical support to the PA.
