The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed on Tuesday 4 February the need for direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, a few days after the presentation of the US peace plan (see EUROPE 12414/12).
"To build a just and lasting peace, the unresolved final status issues must be decided through direct negotiations between both parties. This includes notably the issues related to borders, the status of Jerusalem, security and the refugee question", he said in a statement. All these issues are part of the 180-page American plan.
As he had stated in Amman (see EUROPE 12417/15), the High Representative recalled that the US initiative deviated from internationally agreed parameters. According to Mr Borrell, the EU is committed to a negotiated solution based on the coexistence of two states, on the basis of the 1967 lines, with equivalent exchanges of land, as may be agreed between the parties, with the State of Israel and a State of Palestine - independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable - living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition.
And while, according to the American plan, the settlements are part of Israeli territory and the Jewish State has sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, the High Representative expressed "particular concern about statements on the prospect of annexation of the Jordan Valley and other parts of the West Bank". Mr Borrell noted that, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognise Israel's sovereignty over the territories occupied since 1967. "Steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged", he warned.
Despite his criticisms of the US plan, the High Representative stressed that he appreciated "all efforts to help find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". He added that the EU would continue to support efforts to relaunch a political process in accordance with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both sides. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)