Global support grows for UAE-Israel peace treaty

Trump hints at signing of the accord in three weeks.

The European Union on Friday welcomed the peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and re-stated its support for a two-state Middle East peace deal.
"The normalisation will be at the benefit of both. It is important both for them and for the regional stability. Both countries are our partners," EU foreign policy spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told reporters.
"And, of course, as the EU, you know very well that we are committed to a two-state solution. And we are, of course, ready to work on the resumption of the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians."
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would host a summit for the signing of a historic peace accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates in around three weeks.
"I look forward to hosting them (the Israeli and UAE leaders) at the White House very soon to formally sign the agreement," he told reporters. "We'll probably be doing it over the next, I would say, three weeks."

Jordan, which borders the West Bank and Israel, said the outcome of the agreement would depend on Israel's actions, including its stance on a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi said: "The impact of the deal on peace efforts is linked to the actions Israel will take".
France also welcomed the deal, stressing the suspension of Israel's plans to annex swathes of the occupied West Bank.
"The decision taken within this framework by the Israeli authorities to suspend the annexation of Palestinian territories is a positive step, which must become a definitive measure," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.
"The new state of mind shown by these announcements must now allow the resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians with a view to establishing two states within the framework of international law and agreed parameters, which is the only option to enable a just and lasting peace."

UN chief Antonio Guterres said he hoped the deal would help realise a two-state solution.
"The secretary-general (hopes) it will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realise a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements," his spokesman said.
India also welcomed the peace treaty between the UAE and Israel.
"India has consistently supported peace, stability and development in West Asia, which is its extended neighbourhood. In that context, we welcome the full normalisation of ties between UAE and Israel. Both nations are key strategic partners of India," said the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Japanese government welcomed the joint statement issued by the US, the UAE and Israel.
A statement issued by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the agreement to halt annexation of Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territories as a positive move and a first step towards easing tension and stabilisation in the region.
Austria also welcomed the announcement.
In a statement, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as "a historic step towards a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East".
The US ambassador to the United Nations said she is celebrating the announcement of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, calling it "a huge win" for President Donald Trump and for the world.
Kelly Craft said that the diplomatic ties show "just how hungry for peace we all are in this world," and how Mideast countries are all understanding the need "to stand firm against a regime that is the number one state sponsor of terrorism - Iran".
Craft said she believes that more of the Middle East will be "joining together", and pointing to a letter on Sunday from the UAE and five other nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council endorsing an extension of the US arms embargo on Iran which is set to expire on October 18. 
The GCC countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
"Today's announcement is just a statement that the Middle East, that the countries are coming together, because they recognise, they understand the importance of restraining this murderous regime," Craft said. "I'm celebrating the president's vision, his strategy. He's been talking about this, he's been working behind the scenes on this particular issue, and today it was announced and we're all celebrating.
Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, said the deal was "a milestone in Arab acceptance of Israel in the region". 
How they reacted
It will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realise a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements." - Antonio Guterres, UN chief
The impact of the deal on peace efforts is linked to the actions Israel will take" - Ayman Al Safadi,?Jordan's Foreign Minister

The normalisation will be at the benefit of both. It is important both for them and for the regional stability. Both countries are our partners." - Nabila Massrali, ?EU foreign policy spokeswoman
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has taken bold step towards securing broader peace in the Middle East for generations to come." - John Rakolta, ?US Ambassador to the UAE

Today's announcement is just a statement that the Middle East, that the countries are coming together, because they recognize, they understand the importance of restraining this murderous regime." - Kelly Craft, US ambassador to UN
(The) UAE says it's prevented annexation; US prevents annexation too and gets big breakthrough and Netanyahu gets enormous win and off hook from the annexation trap." - Aaron David Miller,?US negotiator on Mideast

BURYING THE HATCHET: Former PLO chairman Yasser Arafat shakes hands with ex-Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin after signing a peace accord as then US president Bill Clinton looks on.

NEW ERA: Former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and ex-Israeli premier Menachem Begin sign a peace treaty on March 26, 1979 . Then US president Jimmy Carter is also seen. — AFP, Reuters

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: President Donald Trump is applauded after speaking in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday in Washington. — AP

• Abu Dhabi
• MENA