Hluboka nad Vltavou, 30/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The foreign affairs ministers of the EU reminded the forthcoming Israeli and Palestinian governments of the commitment of the EU27 to a two-state solution. "We support a two-state solution", Karel Schwarzenberg told the press on Friday 27 March. "The two parties will be obliged to honour the commitments taken in the past", repeated the head of Czech diplomacy, adding that if they do not, "our relations will become a very tricky issue for us". The ministers are expected to "discuss the conclusions to be drawn" at a forthcoming meeting, he confirmed in response to questions from journalists after the Gymnich.
The Czech minister welcomed the commitment of the new American administration regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the goodwill expressed by Syria. "Syria has taken a number of positive measures" (such as sending an ambassador to Lebanon), said Mr Schwarzenberg, who expects "other progress". This progress could lead to a thawing of relations between the EU and Damascus, according to diplomats. The entry into force of the EU-Syria association agreement would be a "step forward", said the Czech minister, referring to a text concluded in 2004 (and since updated), which has not yet been signed. According to the Italian minister Franco Frattini, "there is a broad majority of countries supporting making progress towards Syria". "I think it would be really good if we came in a few months to a decision of the (EU) Council to adopt this association agreement", said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. (A.B./transl.fl)