Brussels, 09/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Staffan Nilsson has spoken out in favour of more far-reaching involvement by civil society organisations, including social partners, in the Middle East peace process. He said dialogue and more intensive participation in the region's political, economic and social activity are required. This was the main message of the EESC delegation, headed by Nilsson, visiting Israel and the Palestinian territory early December. “There is an organised civil society in Israel and in the Palestinian territory and representatives from both sides can cooperate and reach consensus on concrete issues. Their role is becoming vital in the peace process, and Europe should support them”, President Nilsson said.
The EESC delegation met Israeli ministers Isaac Herzog (social affairs and social services) and Benjamin Ben-Eliezer (trade, industry and work) and also the chair of the Israeli economic and social committee, Yehuda Talmon, and Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Salam Fayyed. The latter expressed their willingness to promote social dialogue and civil society initiatives in the decision-making process of the Palestinian Authority. (G.B./transl.jl)