EU Welcomes New Palestinian Government

The European Union on Tuesday welcomed the new Palestinian unity government as "an important step" in Palestinian reconciliation.

An EU statement hailing its appointment however said future support would depend on the government sticking to principles such as the need for a two-state solution and Israel's right to exist.

"The EU's engagement with the new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and commitments," the statement said.

"The process of Palestinian reconciliation faces many challenges but it also creates new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank," it added.