Brussels, 27/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On a five-day visit to the Middle East until 29 April, to assess the humanitarian situation in the region (see EUROPE 9413), EU Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel called on 27 April for all parties involved to respect the core element of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians. In particular, he recalled the need to ensure access to the victims of conflict, and urged all parties to respect the 'humanitarian space'.
In a speech in Jerusalem, at a conference on the humanitarian dimensions of the Middle East Peace Process, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said: "I am more and more worried by the constant infringement of international humanitarian law", just a few weeks before the 40th anniversary of the occupation of the Palestinian territory. "In many countries, international humanitarian law is not only ignored but often flouted by belligerents. Instead of conventional wars, internal conflicts have become the norm. Such conflicts always affect mainly civilians. For humanitarian workers, it is an ever-growing daily challenge. Access to victims is often difficult and insecurity is rampant. Sometimes it is impossible for humanitarian workers to do their job and they themselves are coming under attack more often. This is unacceptable."
Two days before, during his visit to the Occupied Territories and during interviews with Israeli and Palestinian authorities, Michel reiterated EU support for the peace process and European solidarity for the victims of the conflict in the region. The next legs of Louis Michel's trip will take him to Jordan and Syria, where he will visit projects funded by ECHO, the European Commission's humanitarian aid service. (an)