Summary: March 15, 2001: Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. Statement by Ambassador Pierre Schori Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European Countries associated with the European Union, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The prospect of peace must return to the Middle East. There is no alternative to a political solution. The European Union reiterates today its deep concern at the chain of violent events during the last months and holds that it is the responsibility of the Israeli as well as the Palestinian authorities to do their utmost to prevent actions resulting in new victims. We call on both parties to act with maximum restraint, and to do their utmost to prevent terrorist acts and the growth of
sentiments of revenge.
New talks on security must get under way. The European Union appeals to the Government of Israel and to the Palestinian Authority to reengage immediately in security co-operation in order to reverse the spiral of violence.
Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian Territories is of great concern. The current economic crisis is unacceptable, and threatens the stability of the region and the prospects for peace. Both parties have a duty to minimise tensions between them. Improving the economic situation in the occupied territories is an important element in that effort. On 26 February, the European Union decided to make the funds in its existing Cash Facility - 60 million Euro - available as grants to the
Palestinian Authority. The funds will be disbursed in the context of a concerted international effort and on the condition that the Palestinian Authority draw up a revised budget as a basis for international support and take more effective measures against corruption and towards more transparency. The European Union urges other donors to increase their contributions to help meet the severe challenges facing the Palestinian economy.
In view of its devastating effects on the Palestinian economy and therefore on political stability, the European Union stresses the importance of ending immediately the withholding of due revenue payments to the Palestinian Authority. Israel should transfer immediately these tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. The European Union also reiterates the importance of ending the blockades in the Palestinian areas so that the acute economic and humanitarian crises can be brought to an end.
Israel must allow and facilitate access for humanitarian personnel and goods to Palestinian territories.
The European Union notes the recent easing of the closures on Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarem and Qalqilya, and believes that more needs to be done to lift the closures in the Palestinian territories. During a recent visit to the region, an EU delegation led by the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Anna Lindh, expressed to to Israel. Also, the European Union discussed with Prime Minister Sharon and Minister for Foreign Affairs Peres, as well as withto President Arafat, the EU willingness to
help move the peace process forward. It was underlined that no chance of a peaceful settlement should be missed, despite the present crisis in the region. tThe EU also raised the issue of the difficultdeteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, and of possible assistance by the international community. In addition, the issues of closures and transfer of tax revenues were raised by the European Union. Prime Minister Sharon expressed understanding for EU concerns over the
various practices of collective punishment. The EU reads this as a promising first step.
Mr. President,
On the Israeli-Palestinian track, the European Union understands that much ground has been covered in open and frank negotiations. The European Union is convinced that the progress made on all major issues during the last negotiations should form the basis for future talks on the permanent status. The Union also looks forward to a prompt resumption of the negotiations between Israel on the one hand and Syria and Lebanon on the other.
The European Union reaffirms its view that the basis of negotiations, and of a just and lasting pace, must be Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and other relevant resolutions, including the inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by war, the need for every State in the area to be able to live in security, and the principle of land for peace. The European Union calls upon the parties to reaffirm their commitments to the basic principles established within the framework of Madrid, Oslo
and subsequent agreements, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
Mr. President,
The European Union deplores all acts of violence. In this context, the European Union reiterates its strongly held opinion that Israel's policy on extra-judicial killings is unacceptable and contrary to the rule of law, and urges Israel to cease this practice and thus respect international law. Extra-judicial killings are an obstacle to peace and could provoke further violence.
The European Union recalls its recent declaration in response to the two executions carried out by the Palestinian Authority on 13 January, encouraging President Arafat to consider a moratorium on the death penalty and reiterating its view that the abolition of the death penalty world-wide would contribute to the enhancement of human dignity.
Mr. President,
For months we have seen Palestinian and Israeli casualties. The situation is intolerable, and both parties must shoulder their responsibilities and bring senseless violence and human suffering to a halt, and thus open perspectives and give hope to Palestinians and Israelis for a better life in dignity and security. The lack of progress in the peace process, including on the settlement issue, lies at the heart of the Palestinian population's frustration.
The international community, including the United Nations and its Secretary-General, can play an important role in assisting the parties. The European Union supports that the Secretary-General explores with the parties arrangements for an observer mission, as requested by Security Council members in November of last year.
The European Union reiterates its will to contribute to advancing the Middle East peace process.
Thank you, Mr. President
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