Brussels, 14/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 13 August, the Belgian Presidency adopted a declaration on behalf of the EU condemning, "in the most energetic manner, the recent suicide attacks" in the Middle East and all assistance for organisations that practice terrorism, be it in the form of financial aid, supply of weapons or training". The EU calls on the Palestinian Authority to do all it can to "stop and take to court the authors, instigators and sponsors of such acts of terror", and at the same time states that Israel's closure of Orient House "and other institutions in Jerusalem does not serve the interest of peace and can but weaken the Palestinian leadership at a time where it is being asked to engage with determination in the fight against extremism". The EU "would like to see this measure" (which "contradicts the goal set, that must remain to re-establish security for all") "brought forward as soon as possible, with the restitution of all archives", and stresses that "unilateral acts will not alter the constant position of the international community concerning the status of the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem". The EU, which "calls on Israel to continue to observe the greatest reserve in the use of military force", "encourages both parties to begin dialogue without delay to break the deadlock, and expresses its support for the initiatives that Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Peres, intends taking" (On Monday, the latter said that the Orient House would be handed back to the Palestinians "soon", and did not rule out a meeting with Mr. Arafat, "if need be").