RAMALLAH, June 25, 2010 (WAFA)- For the first time, the Palestinian Authority and the Office of the European Union Representative held a Joint Consultation with the representatives of the Palestinian civil society on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Representatives of the Palestinian civil society, as integral contributors in this process, were invited in Ramallah to present and discuss their thoughts on the EU-PA ENP Action Plan and the recently published 2009 ENP Progress Report.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Khraishi and EU Representative Christian Berger addressed the participants at the opening of the event.
Dr. Khraishi, said in his opening remarks 'the EU-Palestine Relations are based on a common political vision, embodied in the last Council conclusions of December 2009 reiterating the urgent need to ensure fulfilment of our national inalienable rights including our right to statehood and independence. We believe that our civil society is an integral part of the Palestinian national struggle, the quest for statehood and in our relations with our main partner, the EU'.
From his side, the EU Representative, Mr Christian Berger said 'the European Neighbourhood Policy is a crucial instrument to support the Palestinian Authority's Plan to establish an independent and viable Palestinian State, and involving the civil society in this process will increase its relevance and its impact'.
During the opening plenary session, EU officials explained the ENP reporting process and Action Plan. PA officials then gave their considerations on the process and an overview of the achievements so far.
Following the opening session, the participants were divided into 4 working groups to discuss different topics: human rights, including gender issues, governance, and rule of law; economy, employment, and trade; environment, energy, transport, and research & development; and social sectors (education, health, youth issues)
In each of the working groups, discussions between the Palestinian civil society representatives and officials from the PA and the EU were active and substantive.
Civil society representatives made interesting proposals as to how they could be further involved in the ENP process in the future.
Civil society organisations also proposed their own priorities for the new Action Plan, due to come into force in 2011. PA and EU officials stated their commitment to take their comments into account when they will jointly draft the new Action Plan.
In the afternoon plenary session, chosen representatives of civil society organisations reported on the discussions held in the 4 working groups. These reports enabled participants to have a global view of the issues that were covered in all working groups.
These recommendations will be discussed in the EU-PA Joint Committee on June 30.
PA and EU officials concluded that the consultation was a great success, and look forward to holding the same event next year. Over 100 representatives of civil society organisations participated in the event, demonstrating again the vibrancy of Palestinian civil society.
