Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-10-09-Speech-4-005"
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"en.20031009.1.4-005"2
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"Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to thank you once again for giving me the opportunity of coming before a plenary sitting of the House. I am here to address you on what is currently a highly topical issue, namely the Middle East. I know this is an area of great concern to you all.
I will begin with the Road Map. I believe the concern expressed is justified. It could certainly be argued that there is little point to a programme of actions to be taken on specific dates, if the parties required to act are disinclined to do so. It is certainly true that without the commitment of all the parties, progress will be negligible. I must also state quite clearly that whilst I recognise the tremendous difficulties confronting us, I do not believe there is any alternative to the Road Map. The much longed-for and shared objective of ensuring that two states, Israel and Palestine, can live in peace and security must not be abandoned following the tragic events of recent days. The Road Map sets an ambitious objective. It is to be met in 2005 when both the aforementioned states should be in existence. Still greater involvement by the international community is therefore called for, if that were possible. Above all, the onus is on the Quartet to step up its efforts.
Ladies and gentlemen, Europe sponsored the Road Map initiative. Europe was also involved in devising and setting up the Quartet. We proved capable of creating a new political platform to facilitate direct involvement by the United States within the framework of joint action. The debate over who might be an honest broker
was defused.
The members of the Quartet met in New York a few days ago. I can assure you that despite recent gloomy prognostications, the Quartet is still active. It remains the focal point for all peace efforts. Members of the Quartet formally undertook to meet again before the end of this year. An announcement to that effect was made at the end of the meeting. As a result of pressure from Europe, it was also agreed that the special representatives should meet regularly. These individuals are resident in the area. They are therefore in the best position to provide Members of the Quartet with an overview of the situation, so that the appropriate joint measures may be taken. Closer cooperation of our efforts will also be fostered.
A mere declaration of the continuing validity of the Road Map will not suffice, ladies and gentlemen. Specific actions are required if the current stalemate is to be transcended. Each party would then be able to detect in the other a willingness to move forward. Such measures need to be designed to build a minimum of confidence, and they must be verifiable. During the drafting stages of the Road Map, past experience led us to insist on the need for a verification mechanism. It is now urgent for the latter to be operational as soon as possible.
Mr Abu Ala, the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, is likely still to be working on the formation of a new Palestinian Government, probably in extremely trying conditions. He might have succeeded by now. I have known Mr Ala for several years and respect him. Mr Ala has built up a wealth of experience in very difficult circumstances. This new Palestinian Government must assume its responsibilities at the earliest opportunity.
I have spoken to Mr Ala by telephone almost every day. There is absolutely no doubt that, as regards security, Mr Ala must begin by bringing order to the Palestinian security services. He would be following the lead of Mr Salam Fayad, the minister responsible for the financial sector. Mr Fallad has done a good job in bringing order to the latter. Horrific terrorist attacks of the kind perpetrated all too often against the citizens of Israel with such devastating consequences simply cannot be tolerated. The attack in Haifa on the eve of Yom Kippur is a further example of what must never again be allowed to happen. The Palestinian Government needs to put an end to this scourge, in the interests of the Palestinians themselves.
Likewise, economic and social reform must continue, for the benefit of the people of Palestine. Europe will offer Mr Ala and his government strong and active support for such efforts.
If the efforts of the new Palestinian Government are to bear fruit, however, it is vitally important for it to be able to count first and foremost on the support of the Israeli Government. There are also a number of key obligations on the Israeli Government pursuant to the Road Map. Israel is required to put an end to its policy on settlements. It is also required to stop building the security wall. This wall encroaches into territory beyond the 1967 borders. Further, Israel is called upon to put an end to its policy of targeted killings. In addition, Israel is called upon to stop other practices we believe to be violations of international law. Israelis and Palestinians need a chance to renew cooperation.
I cannot conclude without saying a few words on regional stability. There should be no doubt as to the determination of the European Union, its Member States, institutions and citizens to combat and condemn terrorism. The Israeli Government is entitled to take measures to protect its citizens from terrorism. Indeed it is its duty to do so. Nonetheless, if terrorism is to be dealt with effectively, it must be dealt with within the framework of international law. That is the bottom line. The Middle East is a very volatile part of the world. Action by the parties involved must be such that it reduces rather than increases tension.
Our Arab friends are also called upon to maintain their commitment to the peace effort. They should also reactivate the initiative launched by Saudi Arabia and formalised at the Beirut Arab League Summit in March of last year. That initiative remains valid and enjoys the full support of the Quartet.
The Middle East is giving us cause for alarm once again. Yesterday, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy adopted the report drawn up by Mr Menendez del Valle. This sent out a further signal of Parliament’s strong determination to be actively involved in the peace effort. I am confident this report will be most helpful in the search for peace. It has indeed already proved its worth.
Clearly, the next few weeks will be decisive. It is essential for all members of the Quartet to remain committed to the process in the days to come. This applies in particular to the United States. The road to peace will be long and difficult. That has already become apparent. We know what the objective is and are aware of the difficulties to be encountered on the way.
The European Union must continue to take strong and decisive action in the Middle East. Its actions also need to be creative and consistent. As I said earlier, the next few days and weeks will be crucial. Peace will have another chance, if Prime Minister Ala’s government gets to work and discharges its responsibilities regarding security, and if the Israeli Government is able to demonstrate restraint and generosity so as to reduce tension. It is important not to play into the hands of the terrorists.
For our part, ladies and gentlemen, we shall do all in our power to move the process on as you and all men and women of good will would wish. We remain in touch with all the parties on a daily basis. It is to be hoped that the present vicious circle can be broken. The European Union’s personal representative is in the region every day. We are doing all we can to prevent violence increasing and spiralling out of control.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure we all realise the difficulty of the task before us. Nonetheless, it is essential for us to continue to work day and night to prevent the situation worsening until there can be no possible solution.
I have held several discussions with Mr Menendez del Valle. We worked together to ensure the report contained the elements that could help to find a solution in line with the European approach.
The last few weeks amounted to a respite. They were characterised by tense calm. Sadly, that calm proved all too fragile. It was shattered dramatically by the events of recent days. We have received yet another reminder of the extent to which tension, violence, destruction and death are part of daily life in the region.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am bound to admit to you that I too am overcome by a feeling of frustration. I am frustrated because the Middle East is still bleeding to death. Life after life is still being lost needlessly.
I am frustrated also because the Israelis and Palestinians have been unable or unwilling to meet the solemn undertakings given at Aqaba a few short weeks ago. I am frustrated because tension in the region has risen to alarming levels. I am frustrated because fewer and fewer people now believe the solution lies in the Road Map sponsored by the Quartet. Above all, I am frustrated because the despair that has overcome so many Arabs and Israelis might also take root amongst us. It might overcome our political leaders and our citizens too.
It is imperative not to allow this frustration to cloud our vision. On the contrary, the very gravity of the situation and our shared concern must spur us on to greater efforts. They should motivate us to remain on the alert and assume all our duties and responsibilities.
Each and every one of us is wondering what further action can be taken. We are asking ourselves if there is anything more the Union can do, and whether the Road Map retains any validity. We are also concerned that the present situation might degenerate into a regional conflict. All these concerns have been raised in public and no doubt in private too.
I should now like to take a few minutes to deal with each in turn."@en1
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