We welcome the agreement reached between Fatah and Hamas in order to achieve unity and integrity in Palestine. We would like to express our appreciation to all parties, particularly the Egyptian Administration, who have worked towards attaining this goal. We hope that a lasting national reconciliation will be reached in Palestine in line with the letter and spirit of this agreement.

This development constitutes a significant step in the right direction with regards to the establishment of a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East region, which has entered into a process of democratic change and transformation. In this regard, it is vital for all members of the international community to demonstrate an unbiased approach and to encourage this process, which will be completed with the realization of fair and transparent elections in Palestine. The establishment of an inclusive Palestinian Government with a high level of democratic legitimacy at the end of this process would be desirable both for the revival of the peace process on a credible ground and for the fulfillment of the demands and expectations of the Palestinian people.

Turkey, as in the past, will continue in the future to make all contributions at its disposal to ensure that the Palestinians will live in peace and welfare and that a lasting solution will be found to the Palestinian question.