Sarkozy calls for united EU voice on Palestinian statehood

French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged fellow EU countries on the 31 August 2011 to find a united stance on the issue of Palestinian statehood for the September 2011 UN General Assembly, while pressuring the US to step up its efforts to sow peace in the region.

Separately, in the European Parliament on the 31 August 2011 Members of the European Parliament on the International Trade Committee backed a pending agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority that would allow farms and fisheries free trade access to the European market.

• Primary Source

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The Local.fr, 2.9.11: Palestinian statehood bid is dangerous: France http://www.thelocal.fr/1045/20110902/

ESO: Background information: Ashton in bid to save Middle East peace talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/ashton-in-bid-to-save-middle-east-peace-talks/

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European Parliament: Press Release, 31.8.11: More trade between EU and the Palestinian Authority http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110829IPR25430/html/More-trade-between-EU-and-the-Palestinian-Authority

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