MAP Campaign to End Gaza Blockade
9 September 2010
MAP has been lobbying the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Baroness Cathy Ashton, as part of a Crisis Action campaign to end the blockade of Gaza. Through a diversity of channels, MAP continues to advocate for an end to policies which threaten the rights and lives of the Palestinian population.
Below is Baroness Ashton's latest reply to MAP:
"Thank you for your open letter dated 16 July 2010.
During the last Foreign Affairs Council, I had the opportunity to debrief ministers following my visit to the region on 17-18 July. I fully share your concern regarding the situation in Gaza and this is why I visited the Gaza Strip once again during my most recent visit. I wanted to demonstrate Europe's commitment to the people in the Gaza Strip and assess the implementation of measures recently announced by the government of Israel. I also took advantage of this visit to discuss the best way forward to achieve the steps mentioned in your letter.
In the coming weeks, I will continue to focus on Gaza and press for the sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza. I shall also continue engaging with the government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and other Quartet members to achieve progress on the ground.
The European Union continues to assist the population of Gaza including through the payment the salaries of Palestinian Authority officials, providing social payments to vulnerable Palestinian families, through support to Palestinian refugees through UNRWA and supporting the private sector".
