Brussels, 13/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - The international community is expected to set a deadline for the automatic recognition of Palestine, even if the Israelis and Palestinians do not reach a peace agreement by then, explained High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana. He is also appealing for a return to the pre-1967 borders when Israel seized control of East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The parameters of a future two-state solution were defined by the Quartet with the backing of Arab countries. During a conference on 11 July in London, Mr Solana affirmed that “the mediators have to set the timetable too” for the implementation of this two state solution. He also stated that “if the parties are not able to stick to it, then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table. After a fixed deadline, a UN Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution”. The resolution is expected to enable Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and Arab countries would be immediately obliged to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. The Security Council resolution is also expected to contain suggestions for solutions to problems involving security, borders, the refugees of 1948 and control of Jerusalem. The EU high representative will be stepping down in October but he also highlighted the importance of setting the borders of a future Palestinian state. Mr Solana affirmed that for the future Palestinian state, “we firstly have to define the area, namely, the borders. If we insist so much on halting Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, this is precisely because the continued expansion of these settlements is an obstacle to creating a physical area”. He asserted that “the point of departure is the 1967 borders” but regional exchanges must be negotiated between the different parties. The various territorial offers fluctuate between 6 and 2% compared to the situation in 1967. Mr Solana said that “the parties can negotiate within this margin, not outside”. He also described the situation in Gaza as “unacceptable” and appealed for the reintegration of Hamas into the search for a solution. “Whether we like it or not, Hamas will have to be part of the solution”, he explained. The high representative concluded: “I strongly believe the time has come to, finally, bring this conflict to an end. The international consensus is there, but time is of essence. The second half of this year will be crucial”.
Negative reaction from Israelis. Setting a deadline for the automatic recognition of the Palestinian state was immediately rejected by Israel. Quoted by Reuters, the Israeli foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman declared: “With all the respect I have for Solana, he is approaching retirement…and we should not exaggerate the importance of his declaration”. Lieberman stated that “peace must be built and not imposed”. He also questioned the legitimacy of the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, due the fact that the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas and had escaped his control. Mr Lieberman asked: “Who exactly does he represent? At best, half of his people”. (H.B./transl.rh)