Middle East News

German interior minister inspects West Bank police

Apr 2, 2011, 13:42 GMT

Ramallah - German Minister of Interior Hans-Peter Friedrich Saturday held talks in Ramallah with Palestinian officials and inspected security forces which his country has been funding and training.

Friedrich, on his first official visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories since he assumed his office last month, met with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad where the two discussed the latest political situation as well as efforts to build a strong security force in the Palestinian territories.

Fayyad briefed Friedrich on improvement in the performance of the security forces, which he said 'has contributed to bringing stability to the area and which in turn improved economic conditions.'

The two officials also discussed the latest in the peace process as well as Israeli measures in the Palestinian territories, which Fayyad said obstruct Palestinian development and efforts to build state institutions.

Friedrich commended Fayyad's efforts to build state institutions, particularly in building a 'strong, effective and efficient' police force.

He said after meeting his Palestinian counterpart, Said Abu Ali, earlier in the day that Germany wants to see a Palestinian state based on the rule of law.

'Every society and every country should have a strong and effective security force to enforce the law and bring security and justice to its people,' he said, adding that these are the basis for economic growth.

Germany pledged in the June 2008 to help equip and train members of the Palestinian security forces and this is what it has been doing.

Abu Ali said German support for the Palestinian police force has helped improve its performance and services.

He also pointed to German support for developing the Palestinian justice system as well as civil records and registry.

Friedrich also visited the Palestinian police headquarters where he met members of the force and listened from them about their work.

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