Brussels, 10/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 8 June, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated that Palestinian reconciliation was needed for a two-state solution. “[Palestinian] reconciliation is actually a condition for the successful implementation of a two-state solution”, he said during a conference in Jerusalem. He added that this reconciliation must not be “considered a hindrance to continued negotiations”. “We are of the view that in the interest of a future peace deal and of a legitimate and representative government, intra-Palestinian reconciliation under the principles set out in President Abbas' speech in Cairo in May 2011 - and this pre-condition is very important - should be supported”, Barroso added. Israel believed that this reconciliation equated to an end to the peace process.
Barroso reiterated that any Palestinian government should uphold the principle of non-violence, remain committed to achieving a two-state solution and to a negotiated peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This means accepting previous agreements and obligations, including Israel's legitimate right to exist. In Barroso's view, Palestinian reconciliation, if done in strict adherence to these principles, “will not in any way give a voice to terrorists” but, on the contrary, will help with isolating and marginalising terrorists.
Betting on peace. Barroso also underlined that the “extensive” efforts deployed in the last 9 months must not go to waste. “The current 'pause' in the negotiations is untenable in the longer run”, he warned, encouraging the negotiation route to be upheld.
Barroso recalled that several peace initiatives have already explored multiple options for the final status issues, and that blueprints of peace plans are on the table. What is needed now, in his opinion, is “political courage on both sides to take the decisive step”. “It is clear that the required concessions will be painful (…) but the two sides need to make a bet on peace”, he said. “The status quo may seem politically safer in the short term but it does not deliver any long-term gains”, he added.
Barroso stated that no actions should be taken that would jeopardise the viability of a two-state solution, reiterating the EU's deep concerns that continued settlement activity endangers this solution. (CG)