Luxembourg, 09/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration adopted by the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, the European Union "unreservedly voices its support for the Peres-Arafat dialogue which must lead to a lasting political solution".
The EU appeals to the parties to "implement in good faith the commitments they have entered into in the context of the ceasefire, and to open the direct dialogue which should be begun further to the Mitchell report's recommendations, and to aim for urgent opening-up of a political perspective". The EU calls on the parties to agree on an impartial surveillance mechanism that can help them to overcome their differences and the obstacles they are encountering in their efforts to achieve reconciliation. The EU remains ready to contribute to such a mechanism. The declaration continues: "The EU, moreover, welcomes President Bush's declaration acknowledging the right of the Palestinians to a viable state provided that Israel's right to exist is guaranteed". It recalls: "This has long been the EU's position". It goes on to conclude: "To this end, the EU emphasises the full importance of an enhanced dialogue between the EU and the United States. The European Union urges the United States to exert all its influence with a view to a settlement of the conflict in the Middle East".