Brussels, 10/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU foreign ministers underlined, on Monday 10 December, that the EU was “deeply dismayed” by and “strongly opposes” the Israeli plans to expand settlement in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and especially the development plans in the E1 region. It did not, however, officially condemn such plans. Ministers said that “the E1 plan, if implemented, would seriously undermine the prospects of all negotiated resolution of the conflict by jeopardising the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state and of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states. It could also entail forced transfer of civilian population.” Ministers pledged to closely monitor the situation and its “broader implications” for the Middle East and to “act accordingly”.
The Council also pointed out that the EU would ensure that, in line with international law, all agreements concluded with Israel indicate clearly and explicitly that they are not applicable to the territories occupied by Israel in 1967 (the Golan Heights, West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip). The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to “ensure continued, full and effective implementation of existing European Union legislation and bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products”.
The ministers called on Israel to avoid any attack on the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, given that Israel has blocked the transfer of taxes due to the Palestinian Authority.
Without giving an opinion on recognition of Palestine at the United Nations Assembly, ministers called on Palestinian leaders to use this new status constructively and not to take measures that could undermine trust still further and compromise a negotiated political solution. The EU also reiterated its call for intra-Palestinian reconciliation.
The Foreign Affairs Council is, moreover, convinced that “now is the time to take bold and concrete steps towards peace”. The EU underlines the “urgency of renewed, structured and substantial peace efforts in 2013”, and goes on to call on the parties once more to refrain from any act that undermines confidence and the viability of a two-state solution. (CG/transl.jl)