By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian Foreign Minister Ziad Abu-Amer urged Germany on Saturday to exert “all possible efforts” to lift international sanctions imposed on Palestine’s national unity government, formed two months ago.
During a press conference with German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier after a meeting, Abu-Amer said he urged the German official to intervene in releasing much-needed Palestinian funds held by Israel.
The Palestinian government is in great danger if the sanctions continued, said Abu-Amer who explained that sanctions also included the US restrictions on banking activities, such as transfers, as well as direct-aid to the Palestinian territories.
While saying that cooperation with the European Union (EU) has seen some recent progress, he added that it has not reached the point on eliminating the sanctions and Europe’s stance has not been as hoped.
Germany currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
Serious political efforts are needed to end these sanctions, stressed Abu-Amer.
On his part, Steinmeier said a number of meetings were held with the Palestinian cabinet members and most of the EU’s states cooperate with Palestinian ministers who positively interact with the Quartet.
While saying that 2006 had witnessed more EU aid to Palestinians than in previous years, Steinmeier noted “It is not correct to refer to a boycott.” Earlier, Steinmeier met Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas, Information Minister Mustapha Al-Bargothy and Finance Minister Salam Fayadh.
The German official refused to meet the HAMAS-associated mayor of Bet Laham.