Brussels, 31/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - Speaking in the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday 30 May, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering proposed a peace conference be held, bringing Israelis and Palestinians around the same table to bring about the coexistence of two sovereign states, living side by side in peace and security. “I believe that a peaceful settlement should be founded on dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness. This is the only way in which lasting peace can grow between nations,” he said. The recent peace initiative by the King of Saudi Arabia (which has been backed by the Arab countries) was an important step in this direction, “but we should step up our efforts even further”, Mr Pöttering went on, and he suggested a new international conference, similar to the 1991 Madrid conference. “To my mind, there is no better way of negotiating on peace and security and the peaceful co-existence of Israel and a Palestinian state, within secure borders, than at a joint conference,” he said. He gave assurances that the European Union would always “without hesitation” be at Israel's side: “Whenever Israel's security and existence are threatened by speeches like those made by the Iranian President, or even by actions, the European Union will stand by your side, without hesitation”. He also said, however, that he was “deeply shocked by the economic, social and humanitarian conditions which I saw (in the Palestinian Territories), conditions which are unacceptable”. Israel, he said, had to release the customs revenues (he spoke of $700 million) owed to the Palestinian Authority of President Abbas. (hb)