Brussels, 23/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU foreign ministers restated on Monday their will to “play an active role” in the framework of the international Quartet on the Middle East (which is likely to meet in Washington on 2 February) with a view to reactivating the political and diplomatic process for overall settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict. In this context, the EU is ready to cooperate with a legitimate Palestinian government that adopts a programme on the basis of principles defined by the Quartet, such as: cessation of violence, recognition of Israel's right to existence, and acceptance and respect of existing international commitments. This was recalled by the EU27 on Monday in conclusions adopted by the External Relations Council. “The ultimate goal should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security”, the ministers say. The EU calls on both parties to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and to extend it to the West Bank. It condemns the firing of rockets into Israeli territory and urges the Palestinian leadership to do everything in its power to put an end to such acts. While commending Israel for its present restraint concerning Gaza, it calls for an end to Israeli military interventions in the West Bank. The EU also calls for the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier as well as for Palestinian ministers and legislators detained in Israel.
The EU welcomes the three-month extension of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM), which provides essential relief for a large part of the Palestinian population. It also notes the fact that Israel has already transferred part of the withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, but urges it to transfer the totality of such revenue. It encourages Israel to consider doing so through the TIM.
The EU states it is “deeply concerned” by the recent authorisation of settlement activities by the Israeli government, and the ongoing construction of the barrier on Palestinian land. “These developments are contrary to international law and the Road Map. The Council calls on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution. Settlement activities in and around East-Jerusalem as well as in the Jordan valley are of particular concern. The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties”, the ministers say. (hb)