Tusk: EU is a strong partner of Palestine

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, June 23 (KUNA) -- The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, met here Thursday the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the latest situation in Palestine and the future of the peace process.

"EU has been working with the Palestinian Authority to help build the institutions of a future democratic, independent and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its neighbours. Rest assured, the European Union will remain a strong and reliable partner in this. We will continue to provide financial support to Palestinian social and economic development," Tusk told reporters after the meeting.

Tusk noted that he also met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Brussels two days ago and urged Israel "to put an end to illegal settlement activity and demolitions, which put into question the two-state solution." "There can be no progress unless there is an end to violence, and to incitement. Palestinians also need to work seriously on their internal reconciliation," he added.

On his part, Abbas commended the efforts and support provided by the EU in helping Palestine to build its institutions and also for its support to peace. (end) nk.ibi