Genval, 10/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday during an informal Foreign Affairs meeting at Genval, the Belgian Presidency condemned the most recent attacks in Israel and called for an immediate resumption of the direct dialogue. 1. "The Presidency of the European Union forcefully condemns the terrorist attack perpetrated on 9 September at Naharia (Israel) against innocent Israeli civilians and expresses its sincere condolences to the families stricken by this latest tragedy. 2. The Presidency strongly deplores the on-going escalation of the violence in the Middle East at a time when intense efforts are undertaken for the imminent resumption of a direct dialogue between the parties involved. 3. The Presidency launches an immediate appeal to the parties involved to take effective measures to put an end to the violence, to exercise the greatest possible caution and to resolutely favour negotiation and the resumption of the political process to break out of the crisis".
After listening to a report by the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, on his most recent visit to the Middle East, Ministers recognised the need to continue with its policy of establishing a European Union presence in the region, in an effort to convince the Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks. Ministers are hoping to be able to announce a series of three meetings between Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres between now and the next UN General Assembly. Palestinian attacks and reprisals carried out by the Israelis at the weekend have, nevertheless, extinguished any remaining flickers of optimism. On Sunday Mr Solana declared that despite the weekend having been very difficult, they had remained in contact with leaders from the region, in an attempt to organise a meeting between Arafat and Peres. The High Representative stated that after the recent events, it was more important than ever for the two sides to talk. The President of the Council, Louis Michel, emphasised that what counted today was getting back to political dialogue in order to bring an end to the violence.
Israel has, however, refused Yasser Arafat's suggestion of a meeting in Taba on Monday. A spokesperson for Mr Solana's Office indicated on Monday that diplomatic contact is still being continued. They were in contact by telephone with the Arafat and Peres teams and the European Special Envoy, Moratinos, is still out in the Middle East and has had diplomatic contact by telephone with the US. The European Union "shuttle" will continue to go back and forth in an effort to pursue its diplomatic tasks. As well as visits by the German Joschka Fischer, the Italian, Renato Ruggiero and French Minister, Hubert Sandrine will be making a visit to the Middle East in the week of 20 September.