Strasbourg, 19/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton will visit Israel and the occupied territories from Tuesday 24 January to Thursday 26 January, her spokesperson announced on Thursday 19 January. She will attempt to persuade the two parties to return to the negotiating table. For Palestinians, 26 January is the last day of the three months set by the Quartet for proposals for a peace settlement to be brought forward. This date has been rejected by Israel, arguing for 3 April because the two countries did not have the same starting date for calculating the timescale.
Ashton's visit comes at time of tension between Israel and the European Union. In an internal report published on 18 January by AFP, European diplomats underlined the fact that Israeli policy towards Jerusalem has seriously jeopardised the possibility of implementing a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the creation of two states. They also denounced the “deterioration” of the situation in East Jerusalem in 2011. The heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah are calling for information to be shared regarding the violent settlers in East Jerusalem, in an effort to determine whether they should be allowed entry into the European Union.
The 21-page report accuses Israel of systematically undermining the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem with the continued expansion of the settlements. The report also adds that the close proximity of settlers and Palestinians in the old town has also increased the considerable tension already existing in this area. The report highlights the settler groups' action in taking over properties within the ancient city and on its outskirts.
The diplomats recommend a more proactive and visible EU policy with regard to East Jerusalem and the promotion and setting up of a Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) representation in East Jerusalem, which was closed in 2001.
In a reply to a question by AFP, the spokesperson for the Israeli foreign affairs department, Yigal Palmor, criticised this report, which he said had been compiled by using questionable methodology, concocted behind Israel's back. (CG/transl.fl)