Brussels, 26/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - European socialists say that they are, “concerned by the lack of commitment” demonstrated by the Israeli government to undertaking serious peace initiatives. The head of the S&D Group at the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, stated at the end of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian Authorities on Thursday 26 July, that Europe “must continue with its commitment to the peace process and support those who are prepared to relaunch this process”. He makes a clear distinction between the Palestinians and Israelis and, in the latter, between the government and the Labour Party opposition, which he regards as less firmly opposed to opening the peace process than the prime minister. According to a press release, the S&D group, Israeli Labour Party and Meretz have decided to work together and, “to particularly concentrate on social questions, human rights and the peace process”.
Swoboda met representatives of the Israeli and Palestinian parties, including from the Meretz, the Israeli Labour Party and the Palestinian Fatah, and he left with the feeling of lack of commitment on the part of the Israelis. “Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is failing on both the peace process and the domestic social challenges, and the European Social Democrats are happy to see the new leadership of the Labour Party taking up these issues and aiming to reverse these alarming trends. The emphasis on social justice and fairness is fully in line with social-democratic policies in Europe.”
He accepts that the EU and Israel “should have normal but not special relations as envisaged by Ms Ashton”. Swoboda considers that “we must avoid any 'upgrading' of relations with Israel which could be misunderstood as support for or acceptance of the Israeli government's policies” and that “we must be clear that the continuing illegal settlements and eradication of Palestinian villages undermine any attempts to find a just solution in the Middle East and go against the EU's policies for peace and security. Government legislation and activities relating to the Arab population and the Bedouins are also not in line with democratic principles”.
With the Palestinians, on the other hand, he found “a strong willingness to find a compromise with Israel. But the economic and financial situation is getting worse and this is making it harder for the Authority to perform basic tasks for its citizens”, he said. He offered his support to Mahmoud Abbas' party, Fatah, in its approach to inter-Palestinian reconciliation based on certain conditions.
In conclusion, Swoboda said that “Europe should not only continue to offer financial support but also support the organisation of local elections in the autumn in order to give local leaderships a democratic basis. We should also support Fatah's position that national elections must take place in the whole of Palestine before any reconciliation can be reached with Hamas”. He also supports the drawing up of an “action plan” with the Palestinian Authority. (FB/transl.fl)