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.

EUObserver, 2.9.11: EU ministers scramble for common position on Palestine http://euobserver.com/24/113494

EUObserver, 3.9.11: Tension, confusion behind EU facade on Palestine http://euobserver.com/24/113516

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/

EUObserver, 1.9.11: MEPs back free trade with Palestinian territories http://euobserver.com/24/113484

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

EEAS: Occupied Palestinian Territory http://eeas.europa.eu/occupied_palestinian_territory/index_en.htm

EUObserver, 1.9.11: France: Libya war marks new chapter in EU-US relations http://euobserver.com/13/113486

EUObserver, 12.9.11: Polls show EU support for Palestinian bid http://euobserver.com/24/113581

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