Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-11-19-Speech-3-225"
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"en.20031119.9.3-225"2
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"On 16 and 17 October 2003, the European Council examined the state of the peace process in the Middle East, discussing possible ways forward. It was stressed that the European Union expresses its firm commitment to the clear objective of two States – Israel and a viable, and democratic Palestinian State – living side by side in peace and security in the framework of comprehensive peace in the Middle East, as laid out in the road map. Furthermore, the European Union reiterated its determination to contribute to all aspects of the implementation of the road map and stressed the importance and urgency of setting up a credible and effective third-party monitoring mechanism. The European Council said that it is deeply concerned by the situation in the region and noted that, despite support given by the international community to the quest for a just and lasting solution, insufficient effort has been made by the concerned parties to seize the opportunity for peace set down in the road map, underscored by the recent Quartet Ministerial Statement issued on 26 September 2003.
On the contrary, rising violence is bringing increasing suffering and death for both the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples and putting at risk security in the region and beyond. The European Council therefore called on both parties, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to live up to the commitments they undertook at the Aqaba summit on 4 June 2003. The European Council urged all sides in the region to immediately implement policies conducive to dialogue and negotiations. The EU relationship with those who take steps to the contrary will be inevitably affected by such behaviour.
The Union will take every opportunity to make these positions accepted by both sides. The EU-Israel Association Council, which took place on 17 and 18 November 2003, gave the Union a good opportunity to give a clear political message to the Israeli Government. In particular, the Union stressed its concern at the route of the so-called security fence and the continued expansion of settlements, and reiterated the need for Israel, in the fight against terrorism, to avoid civilian casualties and destruction so as not to exacerbate the plight of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, the Council stressed the importance of the Union playing an active role in the peace process.
As regards the specific question from Mrs Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, the Council believes that the Geneva Agreement is a positive contribution to the debate on resolving the crisis in the Middle East, in accordance with the Union’s position in this regard, expressed most recently by the European Council of 16 and 17 October 2003. The European Council welcomed initiatives from civil society on both sides and said that it is ready to further assist in the effort to promote
confidence-building and the search for a lasting peace. The steps for reaching a definitive, comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict are set out on the Quartet’s road map."@en1
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