European Parliament President calls for a “dialogue of cultures” on question of Palestine – European Parliament press release/Non-UN document

European Parliament President calls for a “dialogue of cultures”

“We are convinced that the people of Israel and Palestine are linked by their common human dignity. We therefore support equally the right of Israel to exist and the right of the Palestinian people to live in a State of their own,” the new European Parliament President Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering said in his programme speech today. The EP President underlined the need for a “dialogue of cultures”, expressing the conviction that it can only succeed “if it is based on truth and mutual tolerance.”

“It is my intention to visit the EU’s neighbouring Arab states and, when visiting EU countries, to try to have talks with ethnic minorities, particularly their younger members,” he said.

He added that “In the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly we have an important parliamentary institution for dialogue with the Middle East, including Israel and the Arab world. We must use this institution effectively for peace, partnership and, if possible, friendship. As soon as circumstances permit, I shall visit Israel, Palestine and Lebanon…”

The EP President also referred to issues like the need for security in a globalised world, including a common energy supply and common immigration policy.