France pledges to back PA unity government

[Scurrilous]

Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy promises to work with Hamas-Fatah cabinet, but makes no commitment to free up aid for Palestinian Authority; ‘I encouraged Abbas to persevere in his efforts to quickly form national unity government,’ he says

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3369126,00.html

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"France pledged Saturday to cooperate with a coalition Palestinian government that would include the militant Hamas, in a key boost for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

But Abbas’ European tour failed to make headway on resuming aid for his struggling people. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy’s promise to work with a government including Hamas and the moderate Fatah party was the bright spot in Abbas’ four-country swing through Europe this week.

Other European leaders were more cautious, preferring to wait until the government is formed before making any commitments. “I encouraged Mr. Abbas to persevere in his efforts to quickly form a national unity government,” Douste-Blazy told reporters Saturday evening as Abbas wrapped up his trip.

If the government is formed according to the power-sharing deal worked out in Mecca last month, Douste-Blazy said, “France will be ready to cooperate with it. And our country will plead on its behalf within the European Union and with other partners in the international community.”