Mideast situation/Palestine question – Conclusions of EU General Affairs Council – Letter from Belgium

Letter dated 23 July 2001 from the Permanent Representative of Belgium

to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to bring to your attention the conclusions on the Middle East issued on 16 July 2001 by the General Affairs Council of the European Union (see annex).

I should be grateful if you would have the text of this letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Jean De Ruyt

Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations

Annex to the letter dated 23 July 2001 from the Permanent Representative of Belgium

to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

[Original: English and French]

Conclusions on the Middle East issued on 16 July 2001 by the

General Affairs Council of the European Union

The current situation between Israelis and Palestinians is very dangerous for the two peoples and for the stability of the region. The Council once again expresses its deep concern about this situation.

In order to break the deadlock, curb the escalation and resume a political process, there is no option but to apply the recommendations of the Mitchell Commission. The High Representative, Javier Solana, member of that Commission, is requested to continue his efforts to that end.

The Mitchell Commission's recommendations must be immediately and fully implemented. Any delay or further conditions placed on the implementation of those recommendations would play into the hands of the extremists and perpetuate the violence.

At the same time, all the commitments given to securing a cessation of the violence must be scrupulously observed. The efforts undertaken to this end must be continued and intensified. Terrorism must be fought with unfailing determination. Extrajudicial executions are contrary to international law.

The two sides must refrain from all provocation. No action aimed at weakening and destabilizing the other side should be taken. Each party needs to convince itself that the other party represents its sole partner for peace.

A third-party monitoring mechanism is needed in order to overcome any obstacles that might impede the application of the recommendations. It would serve the interests of both parties.

The European Union remains ready to play its part in close cooperation with the United States as well as with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and all the partners engaged in the search for peace in the Middle East.