Eoin Ryan welcomes Israeli intention to withdraw from Gaza Strip

Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan has said he cautiously welcomes the announced intention of Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, to completely withdraw all troops from the Gaza Strip.

Mr Ryan said the EU must ensure that any withdrawal must take place in the context of The Quartet Roadmap Agreement, which was drawn up by the EU, the UN, the US and Russia setting out clearly what must be done to implement a peace agreement between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.