Brussels, 21/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - From 20 to 30 May, the High representative for Cfsp, Javier Solana is on a visit to the Middle East to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Arafat and the Secretary of the Arab League Amr Moussa. Mr. Solana, who is also to visit Jordan and Lebanon, again called on the parties to the Israel-Palestinian conflict to agree to an immediate cease-fire, and reiterated that the recommendations of the "Mitchell Commission" (of which he is a member) "provide a solid basis for meaningful discussions".
The Swedish Presidency of the Council published the following declaration on Saturday, following the suicide attack of a Palestinian which led to the use by Israel (for the first time since 1967) of fighter-bombers against the Palestinian Territories: "The Presidency of the EU is appalled by the rapid increase in the level of violence during the last few days. The Union appeals to both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to condemn the bloodshed and to do all within their powers to halt the vicious circle of escalation. The human cost in terms of the number of people killed or injured is horrifying. The killing of innocent policemen, mortar shellings, suicide attacks and war-like air assaults are all proof of the desperation. Both parties have miscalculated that it is the other side that bears the sole responsibility for the escalation of the conflict and the stalemate in the peace process. Violence only breeds more violence. Peace can only be reached through negotiations. the two sides should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. The parties should be inspired by the proposals of the Mitchell Report."