Brussels, 06/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 6 January, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called for restraint in the Middle East, stating that recent steps taken by the Palestinians and Israelis could aggravate the already tense situation on the ground and bring them further away from a negotiated solution. “Both sides should refrain from taking actions which could raise obstacles to the rapid return to the negotiations”, she stated in a press release.
At the end of December the Palestinians presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, and when it was rejected, asked to join the International Criminal Court (see EUROPE 11223). In response, Israel froze payment, on 6 January, of €106 million in tax collected for the Palestinians - which is paid to them every month.
EU criticises Israel's decision to stop tax transfers. Mogherini criticised the decision of the Israeli government to halt the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority - a decision which “runs counter to Israel's obligations under the Paris Protocol”. In Mogherini's view, “an effective Palestinian Authority, committed to non-violence and a peaceful resolution of the conflict”, is “a key element for a two-state solution”.
Mogherini said that the EU was providing “considerable support, including financial assistance”, to ensure the building of the institutions and infrastructure of a future Palestinian state. “These achievements should not be put at risk by not meeting obligations regarding the timely and transparent transfer of tax and custom revenues”, she added.
Mogherini reiterated that the EU would promote and support “now more than ever” efforts to achieve a lasting peace based on a two-state solution, “including through the Middle East Quartet”. (CG)