Berlin, December 29, SPA -- The German government has expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza strip. The German foreign ministry said the foreign minister, Karl Schwarzenberg contacted last night Javier Solana, the EU high representative for the common foreign and security policy (CFSP), as well as Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Czech foreign minister whose country will undertake the presidency of the EU effective from the beginning of 2009, in this respect. The foreign ministry noted that the decision of the Security Council pertaining to ceasefire is a positive step and indicates that the international community is concerned about the deteriorating situation.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/620655