Brussels, 29/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution adopted by a large majority on Thursday 29 September, MEPs consider Palestine's bid for statehood at the United Nations as “legitimate”. Parliament thus calls on the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and on member states to find a common position on the Palestinian request. The Palestinian bid for statehood is also a challenge for the EU's foreign and security policy, said European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, adding that all EU member states must rally to a common position as it is only by being united that the EU will have more clout.
MEPs reaffirm their wholehearted support to the two-state solution with the state of Israel and an independent state of Palestine living side by side in peace and security. They also call on the Hebrew state to put an end to settlement or colonisation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Parliament points out that only peaceful, non-violent, means will bring about a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. MEPs trust direct talks between the two sides will resume immediately in line with the Quartet timetable. “To be effective, the establishment of a viable Palestinian state must be the outcome of a mutual and comprehensive peace agreement”, Buzek said, considering that “status quo is not a viable option”. Supporting the efforts made by the EU high representative, Parliament calls on the European Union and its member states to continue to play a more active role in achieving peace, including within the Quartet. (CG/transl.jl)