By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israel on Sunday welcomed the European Union's initial reaction to a Palestinian power-sharing deal, saying European leaders remain committed to their demands of any Palestinian government - recognizing Israel, renouncing violence and accepting previous peace accords.
German and British leaders told Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas clearly that his new government must accept the conditions of the "Quartet" of Mideast mediators - the US, EU, UN and Russia.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
"We understand the European message to the Palestinians is that a future Palestinian government must meet the international benchmarks in order to receive legitimacy," Regev said, as "a prerequisite for positive movement in the peace process."