- The understanding that has been reached between President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is good news for the Israelis, the Palestinians and the rest of the world, said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen after today’s meeting in Sharm el Sheikh.

- There is every reason to congratulate Mr Abbas and Mr Sharon, and also King Abdullah and President Mubarak, who took the initiative for the meeting, said the Foreign Minister.

- I am very pleased that Mr Abbas has declared that Palestininan groups will cease their attacks on Israeli targets, and that Mr Sharon has agreed to halt military operations if the attacks are stopped. I am also pleased to note that Mr Sharon has stated that Israel will withdraw its troops from certain West Bank towns, said Mr Petersen.

- The parties must now seize the opportunity to resume their efforts to implement the road map. Norway will continue to give its full support to the efforts to achieve peace, for example through the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC), of which I am the chair, said Mr Petersen.