Brussels, 09/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The foreign ministers of the ten EU Mediterranean countries (France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Malta, Slovenia, Portugal, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania), who met at the end of last week in Slovenia (see related article p.11), expressed their support for the new special Quartet envoy for the Middle East, Tony Blair, to whom they also make a series of recommendations. In an open letter addressed to “Dear Tony”, the ten ministers - including the president-in-office of the EU Council, Luis Amado - note the “failure” of the roadmap and recommend a “change of approach”. The taking over of the Gaza Strip by Hamas, which can make things leap forward, as well as the “determined involvement” (for finding a solution) by Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and Qatar, alongside Egypt and Jordan, prompt the ten Mediterranean countries of the EU to “redefine” objectives. They believe there should be four such objectives:
1) The people of the region should be given real hope of a political solution. This means negotiations beforehand on the final status, even though this may have to be in several stages. Encompassing the questions of Jerusalem, refugees and borders, the talks will make it possible to set a shared and realistic objective. 2) Israel's need for security should be taken into account. The idea of a “robust international force like those of NATO or the UN” deserves to be examined. It would have full legitimacy to enforce law and order in the territories and impose compliance with the ceasefire. The risks are naturally high but this force can be viable and safe if two conditions are met: it must be accompanied by a peace plan without taking the place of that plan, and it must be based on an inter-Palestinian agreement. 3) There must be concrete and immediate measures from Israel in favour of Mahmoud Abbas, including the transfer of all taxes due; the release of thousands of prisoners who do not have blood on their hands; the release of the main Palestinian leaders to ensure takeover within Fatah; a stop to colonisation and the evacuation of uncontrolled installations. None of these measures can be challenged for reasons of security. Europe, the Quartet must be clear about this to Israel, in all friendship. It is too late for prevarication. 4) Hamas must not be pushed to one-upmanship. This involves reopening the border between Gaza and Egypt, facilitating the border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and encouraging Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as President Mubarak had suggested, to restore dialogue between Hamas and Fatah.
The Ten also call for an international conference to be held without delay with all parties to the conflict. The letter concludes by saying that Tony Blair has the extraordinary privilege of being able to turn into a reality the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. It gives Tony Blair the assurance that, on every day of his mission, he can count on their unfailing support. (hb)