LUXEMBOURG, June 16, 2009 (WAFA)- The European Union’s External Relations Council called, Monday, on the government of Israel to commit unequivocally to the two-state solution.
In a press release following its 2951st meeting, the Council said that it remains deeply concerned by colonization activities, house demolitions and evictions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in East Jerusalem.
The Council urged the government of Israel to immediately end colonization activities, including in East Jerusalem and including natural growth, and to dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001. It reiterated that colonies are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, assuring that the EU will continue to follow closely investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
The Council reiterated the urgency of a durable solution to the Gaza crisis through the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. The European Union called for the immediate and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza without which the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction and economic recovery will not be possible.
The European Union remains committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid conference, including land for peace, the Roadmap, the agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Council reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution with an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, comprising the West Bank and Gaza, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel. The Council confirmed its view that this constitutes a fundamental European interest. It is an indispensable and urgent step towards a more stable and peaceful Middle East.
The Council welcomed the US Administration's commitment to vigorously pursue a two-state solution and a comprehensive peace in the Middle East and confirmed the Union's readiness to work actively with the United States and other Quartet members to achieve this goal, including through coordinated monitoring of actions by all parties to the conflict and of developments on the ground. The EU is also ready to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements aimed at ensuring the sustainability of peace agreements, addressing also the regional economic and security dimensions.
The Council stated that, “the EU stands ready to further develop and enhance its bilateral relations with the Palestinian Authority in the context of the European Neighborhood Policy. It will promote Palestinian state-building and intensify work in partnership with the PA towards further implementation of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.” This, according to the press release, will involve a broad range of areas including health, education, governance, customs, public financial management and the rule of law.
The EU also welcomed the PA’s efforts to develop an effective and reformed security sector and will cooperate towards additional improvement in restoring law and order, countering terrorism, the implementation of a more comprehensive security strategy, developing an effective and reformed security sector and criminal justice system. Civil police and justice will continue to be a focus of EU support, through the assistance provided by EUPOL COPPS, the European Commission and Member States, and in close coordination with the US and other partners.
