BERLIN, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Germany said on Friday that it welcomes the agreement reached by the Palestinians in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca on Thursday.

    "I welcome the fact that the parties in Mecca yesterday succeeded in agreeing to form a government of national unity. I hope that this agreement will bring inter-Palestinian violence to a halt," Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement.

    Leaders from the rival Fatah and Hamas factions signed a deal late on Thursday to form a coalition government. It could end months of clashes between the Fatah and Hamas.

    Steinmeier said that in the next few days, Germany will carefully examine with its partners the Mecca agreement and the related arrangements announced by the two sides.

    "What we expect of the Palestinians is clear: the violence against Israel must end," he said. "The dialogue with the Israeli government commenced by President Abbas must be continued."

    He added that he expected all parties to remain committed to the goal of a two-state solution - of two states, Israel and Palestine, "existing together in peace and security."