EU welcomes talks between Olmert, Abbas

The European Union on Sunday welcomed the successful outcome of the first Israeli-Palestinian summit in 18 months, saying it offered hope for a renewed dialogue between the two sides. "The (EU) supports any moves that can contribute to reinvigorating the peace process," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the bloc's foreign affairs commissioner, said in a statement. "I am also encouraged by the indications that Israel may be ready to unblock part of Palestinian customs and tax revenues for humanitarian purposes," the statement said. "This would be a first step towards a long-standing objective of the EU and vital in meeting the needs of the Palestinian people."