Middle East Peace Process, Annapolis meeting – European Council conclusions – Non-UN document

Council Conclusions on Middle East peace process

2831st EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting

Brussels, 19-20 November 2007

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council reiterates its strong support for the upcoming international meeting at Annapolis and the efforts of Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert. It looks forward to the achievement of concrete results leading to meaningful final status negotiations. These should result in a two state solution with the establishment of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. The Council reaffirms that this is a crucial opportunity for regional and international partners to effectively support a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. In this context, the Council calls for a continued broad and positive involvement by Arab partners, building on the Arab Peace Initiative.

The Council expresses its full commitment to further support the parties in their ongoing negotiations and subsequent implementation. In this context, the Council welcomes the EU Action Strategy submitted by the EU High Representative in full association with the Commission, which will be the basis for further work by the EU taking into account the results of the Annapolis International meeting.

In order to consolidate progress achieved so far and to fulfil the potential of the current process, the Council urges both parties to take additional steps to meet previous commitments, including those under the Road Map and the Agreement on Movement and Access. The Council calls upon the parties to desist from any actions that threaten the viability of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement, in conformity with international law.

The Council also emphasizes the importance of the Paris Donors’ Conference, in December, and supports its goals of securing funding for the building of the institutions and economy of the future Palestinian state. In this context, the Council calls for the mobilisation of significant international financial support."

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