Fact Sheet Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Washington, DC February 17, 2005 U.S.-EU Cooperation on the Middle East Peace ProcessThe European Union and the United States are going to be very strong partners as we try and realize the opportunities before us in the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice The United States and the European Union (EU) are working closely together to secure a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The U.S. and the EU are committed to the Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East through the Quartet process (which also includes Russia and the UN), share the vision of two states living side by side, in peace and security and agree we must seize this moment of opportunity in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.. President Bush announced in the State of the Union on February 3, 2005, that he will ask Congress for $350 million for the Palestinians to support political, economic, and security reforms. The Department of State notified Congress of our intent to reprogram over $40 million in previously authorized assistance for quick disbursing projects designed to make an immediate impact on the lives of the Palestinians. For its part, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner announced on February 8, 2005 that the EU would contribute 250 million euros (approximately $324 million) in 2005 to help support the Palestinians. This follows the EU’s 2004 contribution of approximately 250 million euros. The United States will meet with European and other partners in London on March 1, 2005 to discuss how the international community can support Palestinian reform efforts and help the Palestinian Authority prepare to govern Gaza. (See http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/22520.htm for more information on the Quartet.)
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