Jerusalem, 23/11/2000 (Agence Europe) - Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday after a four-day visit to the region, the President of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left of the EP, Francis Wurtz, said that "the absolute urgency is the protection of the populations of the Palestinian Territories". Mr. Wurtz, who was accompanied by Luisa Morgantini, leader of the EP Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, and Ms. Frahm and Ms. Boudjenah, as well as Mr. Alyssandrakis and Mr. Kirvine, said that the EU should strive to secure the sending of international observers with as task to protect the populations, and create conditions for peace negotiations on new bases, placing at the heart of negotiations "the end of the occupation and full implementation of UN resolutions", and "broadening them "to other players than the United States alone", and especially the European Union and the United Nations.
The Euro-MPs met, among others, President Arafat and the Leaders of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Knesset, Messrs. Abu Ala and Burg.