Brussels, 12/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - At the opening of the general debate by the United Nations Assembly on Saturday, Louis Michel, President-in-Office of the EU Council of Ministers, recalled the Fifteen's "unreserved" support to military action launched by the United States after the attacks on 11 September. He called, moreover, for an immediate and unconditional resumption of peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians on the basis of the Mitchell Report.
"The European Union (…) has confirmed its unreserved support for military action undertaken in the context of legitimate defence and in conformity with the United Nations Charter and Resolution 1368 of the Security Council", declared Mr Michel. This was his response to the US President, George Bush, who had just stated the international community's unfailing support for the fight against terrorism and in order to overthrow the Taliban regime. Mr Michel also called on the countries of the region to facilitate access to humanitarian aid and the hosting of Afghan refugees fleeing the country because of the conflict.
Regarding the related Middle East issue, Mr Michel called on Israelis and Palestinians to "resume without preconditions or conditions (…) the road to negotiation on the basis of the Mitchell Report". He said "we now believe it is urgent that an initiative should be taken to press the parties to rekindle political dialogue". He was speaking several days from the European troika's visit to the region (see EUROPE of 10 November, p.3). Present in New York, the EU15 foreign ministers, High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana, and European External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten announced to US Defence Secretary Colin Powell their frustration for the slowness of the US Administration in defining a strategy for the Middle East. Nonetheless, in a speech that was noted, George Bush had taken an unambiguous stance in favour of a Palestinian State. (He said that they are working so that one day two States, Israel and Palestine, may live in peace together within safe and recognised boundaries). Although the aim is well set out, the means to achieve such an aim are still to be specified, Europeans consider in substance. Hubert Védrine, French Foreign Minister, however, considers Mr Bush's speech "provides elements for work in common between the United States and Europe".