Catherine Ashton Announces in Gaza: No Major Change to the Israeli Siege

Catherine Ashton Announces in Gaza:

No Major Change to the Israeli Siege

Ashton in Gaza: No major change to siege

Published yesterday (updated) 18/07/2010 21:42

Gaza – Ma'an –

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Sunday that no significant changes have been made since her last visit to Gaza four months ago, before Israel's decision to allow previously barred goods into the enclave.

Speaking to reporters at a UN school in Gaza City, Ashton reiterated her call for a complete opening of the Strip's borders "to allow the flow of people and goods in both directions. The people of Gaza should be able to lead a normal life."

Ashton said she noticed minor improvements in the situation, but said more was required. She urged Israel to completely end its four-year blockade of the territory, promising to visit again to ensure the siege is eased and that Israel implements its cabinet decision.

The EU foreign policy chief allocated €2 million to UNRWA to be allocated to children's projects and met with employees representing businesses supported by the EU.

Ashton arrived in Gaza through the northern Erez crossing with Israel. She was scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigor Lieberman to discuss reports of a plan put forward to absolve Israel of its responsibility toward Gaza and create an independent entity.

“The EU supports establishment of a Palestinian state side by side with Israel, and that stance has not changed,” she said.

On Saturday, Ashton met with premier Salam Fayyad in Ramallah, where she called on Israel for a "full and effective implementation of the new Israeli policy to improve the lives of the people of Gaza and meet their needs for humanitarian and commercial goods."

The EU official further said improving the economic situation in Gaza "is not simply a matter of letting in aid - it is a matter of revitalizing the local economy."

"For a fundamental change, private sector development and commercial activity, including exports, will be crucial," Ashton said, expressing hope that the crossings' capacity would be expanded, and that the Palestinian Authority would return to the Strip.

Israel began tightening its blockade of Gaza in June 2007, after Hamas took over the Strip.

Bardawil hopes Ashton's visit would herald end of siege

[ 18/07/2010 - 07:40 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil, one of the Hamas leaders, welcomed on Sunday the visit to Gaza Strip of Catherine Ashton, the European Union's high representatives for foreign affairs.

He described the visit, in a press release, as "good" as long as it was followed by practical steps.

Bardawil hoped that the visit would herald an end to the political and economic blockade imposed on the Strip.

The Hamas leader, meanwhile, said that the western world should understand that Gaza is part and parcel of Palestine and that "we do not accept any solution that would isolate Gaza from the outside world".

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