The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed doubts on Sunday 2 February about the “so-called US peace plan” for the Middle East presented on 28 January (see EUROPE 12414/12).
“The US plan challenges many of the internationally agreed parameters: the 1967 border, as agreed by both parties, with a State of Israel and an independent, viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition”, he said at a press briefing with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman. Jordan, through its king, had expressed reservations on this plan.
Stressing that the past 50 years had shown that without agreement between all parties, no peace plan had a chance of success, Mr Borrell called on both sides to return to the negotiating table in order to find a lasting solution.
He said he was “sure” that the EU and Jordan shared the same positions, “which cannot be summarised as saying ‘it doesn't work’. We have to speak about what is going to work. We need solutions that can be accepted by both parties in this lengthily period of conflict”, the High Representative stressed.
Mr Borrell also recalled Jordan's “very special” role in the efforts to resolve the conflict, “particularly with regard to Jerusalem and as guardian of Holy Sites”. He added that he shared with the Jordanian authorities the commitment to a two-State solution and respect for international law. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)