Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-02-11-Speech-3-140"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20040211.5.3-140"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spoken text |
".
Mr President, once again, it has been valuable for the Council to hear the views expressed in today's discussion concerning the wall, as well as the situation in the Middle East more widely.
Many of the points made correspond with the position of the Council, which I sought to summarise earlier. It must be clear from my previous statement that the Irish presidency will strongly hold to the view that the current situation is unacceptable. Members of this House know that I come from a small island where we know something about divides and walls and separation. We will continue actively to explore with all parties the possibility of resuming forward movement – even if through modest steps at the outset – in a process that has repeatedly stalled.
I want to refer to a number of the points made during the course of the debate. As for the wider approach to the Middle East region, the effort to promote peace, progress and prosperity should in the first place have strong local ownership on the part of those in the region. Also, it must have an appropriately strong focus on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After all, the continuation of the conflict is a central security reality for many people who live in the region. The renewed EU focus on the wider region would not bypass or set aside the benefits of existing mechanisms, including the Barcelona process.
Mr Swoboda suggested that the European Union's voice was not being heard on the illegality of the wall. Let me reiterate where the Union stands in relation to the extension of the wall. It cannot accept that a fence or wall built on Palestinian land would best serve Israel's long-term security, nor did anything I have said suggest that this would be the case. The European Council has expressed its concern about the route envisaged for the security fence and the departure of the route from the green line in the West Bank. The appropriation of land in the West Bank or Gaza is illegal, it is contrary to international law and it fuels tension. Furthermore, the restrictions associated with the security fence have resulted in unnecessary suffering for the Palestinian people and the deterioration of the economy of the Occupied Territories.
The Union's voice on this has been absolutely clear in all international fora. The construction of the fence, or the wall, was also the subject of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on 21 October, which all EU Member States and the accession states co-sponsored.
Another speaker, Mrs Lucas, called on the presidency to publish the submission to the International Court of Justice. She may not be aware, but the rules of procedure of the ICJ specifically preclude our making the submission publicly available. Indeed, the Court of Justice itself will not be publishing statements received, for the very same reason.
Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, speaking recently in the Irish Senate, pointed out that the Israeli people need not live in a fortress, surrounded by hostile neighbours, where they are in danger when walking the streets or driving on the roads; where young soldiers – mere boys or girls – are placed at constant risk; and where a great part of their national resources are consumed by the burden of defence. Equally, the people of Palestine need not live in hopelessness and indignity; where young people are encouraged to blow themselves up; where homes are bulldozed and destroyed; where employment is scarce or non-existent; where people are not free to travel around their country; where immigration seems to offer the only escape route.
We must all help the people of Israel and of Palestine to find the courage and wisdom to build a new peace; the courage to face down those who would reject compromise; the wisdom to understand that putting an end to the insecurity and suffering of their neighbours is in their own long-term interest. We can achieve this, and if we do achieve this, the Holy Land may become a land of peace and prosperity.
Once again, I thank all Members for their constructive support and concern in this matter. I believe that the approach adopted by the Council is an appropriate approach. No Member of this House need have any concern or doubt as to the interest of this presidency in helping to resolve this issue. I come from a small island where we know something of the causes and costs of division."@en1
|
| lpv:unclassifiedMetadata |
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples