EU Council Conclusions - Middle-East Peace Process

EU Council conclusions on the Middle-East peace process, 2706th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting, Brussels

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council welcomed the holding on 25 January of elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and congratulated President Abbas and the Palestinian people on an electoral process that was free and fair. The Council fully endorsed the statement made by the Quartet issued on 26 January.

The Council stressed the need for the continuous commitment of all parties to the Palestinian constitutional process and emphasized the central role of President Mahmoud Abbas in ensuring stability in this transitional period. It reiterated its full support for President Abbas' determination to pursue a peaceful solution of the conflict with Israel.

The Council underlined that violence and terror are incompatible with democratic processes and urged Hamas and all other factions to renounce violence, to recognise Israel's right to exist, and to disarm.

The Council expects the newly elected PLC to support the formation of a government committed to a peaceful and negotiated solution of the conflict with Israel based on existing agreements and the Roadmap as well as to the rule of law, reform and sound fiscal management. On this basis the European Union stands ready to continue to support Palestinian economic development and democratic state building.

The Council reaffirmed its strong support for a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict leading to the emergence of an independent, democratic, and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours.

The Council expects Israel to adhere to its obligations under the Roadmap.

The Council reaffirmed the central role of the Quartet in promoting progress on the peace process and looked forward to the meeting of Quartet Principals in London."

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• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (13/11/2006)
• EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories  (16/6/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (15/5/2006)
• Statement from the Quartet Meeting in New York (9/5/2006)
• Statement of the Quartet: The New Palestinian Government (30/3/2006)
• Statement by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on the results of the Israeli elections (29/3/2006)
• Euromed MPs issue strong call to Palestinians and Israelis to respect past commitments in the peace process  (28/3/2006)
• Austrian Federal Chancellor Schüssel: "EU supports Palestine, but must have certain guarantees" (14/3/2006)
• President Barroso and Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to meet Palestinian President Abbas (13/3/2006)
• European Commission unveils €120 million package for the Palestinians (27/2/2006)
• Intervention de Solana, Alto Representante de la UE para la PESC ante el pleno del Parlamento Europeo (1/2/2006)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions (31/1/2006)
• Middle East Peace Process - Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner (19/1/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions - Middle East Peace Process (21/11/2005)
• Quartet Statement on Middle East Peace Process  (9/11/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions - Middle East Peace Process (7/11/2005)