Mideast peace process/Lebanon – Transcript of press conference after EU/US leaders meeting – EU press release/Non-UN document

Press Release
English transcript of the joint press conference by Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg Prime Minister and current President of the European Council, George W. Bush, US President and José Manuel Barroso, European Commission President

Date of release : 22-02-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : EU-US leaders meeting

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Jean-Claude Juncker: …

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As regards the Middle East, we both do consider that peace prospects are better than they have been for a long time and we are looking forward to cooperate in close partnership with the United States and other important members. It is of crucial importance, we do think, to go back to the implementation of the road map. The Gaza withdrawal opens prospects for a negotiated two states solution, as defined in this road map. That means that we have to make sure for Israel that peace, security and recognition by all countries in the region are guaranteed. And that means for the Palestinians that they have the right to have a viable, democratic, independent, and territorially continuous state.

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We spoke at length about the Middle East, and in particular of Lebanon, of Lebanon, this country which is lurching from misfortune to misfortune and from tragedy to tragedy. We vigorously re-condemned the assassination of the former Prime Minister, we insisted on respect for the related Security Council resolution and its immediate implementation, and we, the United States and the European Union, call together for the instauration of an international enquiry commission.

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George W. Bush: …

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We talked about Iraq and I appreciate the contributions and the new suggestions. I appreciate your contributions in Afghanistan. We talked about how hopeful the Middle Eastern peace situation looks and I told the leaders that my government will be very much involved in the process. We believe peace is within reach. Therefore I want to work with the European Union to achieve that objective.

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José Manuel Barroso: …

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Today, we have had the opportunity to discuss many of the challenges on the transatlantic agenda: on the Middle-East, on transatlantic trade. There is a common outlook on many fronts. I believe that the European Union and America will be very strong partners in supporting the efforts of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to move towards a lasting peace in the Middle-East. We know that President Bush and America are fully engaged. There is a unique opportunity for peace-making. The European Union and the United States are committed to bring prosperity and solidarity across the broader Middle East. Building on the European Union side, on the decade of dialogue and assistance through the Barcelona process.

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Jean-Claude Juncker: So, we will take three or four questions. Two coming from the European side, two from the US side. Dr. Wernicke please:

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Question: European Voice, a question for President Bush. President you came to Europe with a very constructive speech and indeed you said very few things, the Europeans couldn’t agree with. But actions speak louder, so do you actually commit to take more into account the Europeans positions on international matters and do you actually commit to, for instance prevent from launching actions/strikes against a sovereign state: state like Iran, without a mandate from the United Nations Security Council?

George W. Bush: I, you know, look. Let me talk about Iran that’s a place where I am getting good advice from European partners. After all, Great Britain, Germany and France are negotiating with the Ayatollahs to achieve a common objective, something that we all want and that is for them not to have a nuclear weapon. It's in our interests for them not have a nuclear weapon,  It's also in our interests for them not to continue funding terrorist organisation like Hezbullah, which has the desire to stop the Middle East Peace process from going forward. And so these are great interlocutors on behalf of the position we share. So there is an example of concrete action. I'm also looking forward to working with our European partners on the Middle Eastern Peace Process. Tony Blair is hosting a very important meeting, in London, and that is a meeting at which the President Abbas will hear that the US and the EU are desirous of helping this good man set up a democracy in the Palestinian territories, so that Israel will have a democratic partner in peace. I laid out a vision, the first US president to do so: we have said that our vision is two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace. That is the goal. And I look forward to working concretely with our European friends and allies to achieve that goal. And finally, this notion that the US is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said, that all options are on the table.

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