Caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad told his French counterpart he was concerned about the impending failure of peace talks, during an official visit on Tuesday.

Speaking with French Prime Minister France François Fillon, Fayyad stressed his efforts to build the institutions of a Palestinian state, and asked that Fillon help by urging the international community to demand Israel stick to its international obligations.

“Building institutions for a Palestinian state is the first responsibility, but it is not an alternative to the ending of occupation,” Fayyad said, adding that the Palestinian Authority is ready to talk peace, but needs a willing partner that will abide by the international conditions already in place.

Fayyad called the 8 December 2009 declaration by the EU foreign ministers meeting a “serious foundation” on which the Middle East Quartet could build its stance and force Israel to stop violating Palestinian rights.

“Translating that statement into an international standpoint via the Quartet and in cooperation with the US administration is a good opportunity for Europe to play a major role and be a major partner in making peace in the Middle East,” Fayyad added.

Following his meeting in Paris, Fayyad will meet EU High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, French Foreign Minister Bernard Koshner, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr, Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit.