Luxembourg, 15/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - The EU has welcomed a declaration by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Sunday that he could envisage a Palestinian State as long as it was demilitarised and recognized Israel as a State for the Jewish people, but the 27 have called on the Israeli government to "commit unequivocally" in favour of the peace process and a two-State solution. "The EU calls on the government of Israel to commit unequivocally to the two-State solution and welcomes the initial step, announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu, of commitment to a peace that would include a Palestinian State", said the Foreign Affairs Ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on Monday 15 June. The 27 call on the Israelis and Palestinians immediately to return to the negotiating table and to observe the agreements concluded in the past, including commitments taken in the framework of the roadmap. In the meantime, the EU remains "deeply concerned" at the illegal settlement activities and demolition of houses in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. These actions must cease immediately and all outposts erected after March 2001be demolished, demand the 27 in their conclusions. The Palestinian Authority is called upon to do all in its power to improve security and law and order. As regards the Gaza Strip, the EU calls for the immediate and unconditional opening of the crossing points for convoys of humanitarian aid, but also for the transport of goods and people to and from the Gaza Strip. The ministers also reiterate the EU's willingness to extend its relations with the Palestinian Authority as part of its neighbourhood policy.
Is Mr Netanyahu's prudent declaration on the possibility of a Palestinian State enough for the EU to move forward with the "upgrading" of bilateral relations with Israel? This question was on the agenda of the EU/Israel Association Council, which was held on Monday evening and attended by the Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, Avigdor Lieberman. In view of the External Relations Commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Mr Netanyahu's words constitute "an important first step, but many more must follow, as we wish to see a two-State solution with a viable Palestinian State" (our translation). The Luxembourg Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean Asselborn, said that "there should be no talk of 'upgrading' with Israel unless we manage get the peace process back on the road" (our translation). (H.B./trans.fl)