Summary: April 9, 2002: Statement by H.E. Mr. Juan Luis Flores, Chargé d´Affairs a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations on behalf of the European Union at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Associated countries, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey and the EFTA countries belonging to the European Economic Area, Iceland and Liechtenstein, align themselves with this statement.
The European Union has in the past weeks condemned in the strongest terms the relentless cycle of terror and violence afflicting Israelis and Palestinians. We want to reiterate this message today and express our utmost concern at the continuing military operations in the Palestinian Territories, the violations of international humanitarian law and the increasing and alarming number of casualties among the civilian population.
The attempts to destroy the Palestinian Authority and its infrastructure, the isolation of Chairman Arafat, the humiliation and confinement of the Palestinian civilian population, are unacceptable and contrary to international law. These actions and the excessive use of force must cease immediately. They are unjustified and do not serve the legitimate fight of Israel against terrorism.
Security Council resolutions 1397, 1402 and 1403 must be implemented immediately. We deeply regret that they continue to be ignored, in particular the demands for an immediate cessation of violence, a meaningful and effective ceasefire and the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli troops from Palestinian cities and other areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Closures and restrictions of movement must end.
There must also be an immediate end to Chairman Arafat's isolation and lack of freedom of movement. The Palestinian Authority and its Chairman, legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people, must make every possible effort to stop the violence, dismantle all terrorist organizations, like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and ensure that those responsible for the recent brutal terrorist attacks against Israelis do not remain unpunished.
The EU is extremely concerned at the humanitarian disaster affecting the Palestinian population. In this regard, reports about the serious humanitarian situation in Jenin and Nablus are particularly alarming. We reiterate that the actions against medical and humanitarian institutions and personnel are absolutely unacceptable and contrary to UN Conventions for the protection of civilians in armed conflict and international humanitarian law. They must be able to fully perform their work and be
given full access to those populations in need. We recall that both parties must respect international humanitarian standards and protect the lives of civilians.
Mr. President,
The EU stresses the importance of the vision contained in President Bush's statement of last Thursday and, in this regard, welcomes the mission of Secretary of State Powell to the region in order to work with the parties to implement Security Council resolutions, in particular 1402.
The creation of a Palestinian state, politically and economically viable, security guarantees to the state of Israel, as well as the recent Arab League support of Crown Prince Abdullah's initiative for peace, are among the elements included in this vision that the EU has been calling for and strongly supports.
We urge both parties to fully cooperate with Secretary Powell as well as with Special Envoy Zinni, and others, to implement the Tenet Work Plan and the Mitchell Report recommendations with the aim of resuming negotiations on a political settlement. The EU urges the parties to accept a third-party monitoring mechanism. We are convinced that observers on the ground will serve the interests of both parties. We stand ready to participate in such a mechanism.
The EU continues to make every effort with the parties, the countries in the region, the US, the UN and Russia to end a conflict that only has a political solution. We look forward to the meeting of the Quartet at the ministerial level, with the presence of the Secretary-General, scheduled to take place in Madrid tomorrow.
The special meeting of the ministers of the EU last April 3rd, decided to send a high level mission to the region to meet Prime Minister Sharon, Chairman Arafat and other relevant personalities on both sides. We regret that the Israeli Government refused to allow the EU to meet Mr. Arafat, the elected Chairman of the Palestinian Authority. It is essential that the Quartet of Special Envoys be given full access to all parties. It is also imperative that diplomatic and consular representatives
are able to perform fully their tasks, in particular the access to and the protection of their own citizens in the Territories.
To conclude Mr. President,
The EU is extremely concerned at the volatile situation in the region and in particular at the recent escalation of violence along the border between Lebanon and Israel. We call for an end to the violations of the Blue Line, condemn the recent attacks originated in Lebanese territory and call on all parties involved to show the utmost restraint.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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