Mideast peace process – European Council meeting – European Council press release/Non-UN document (extracts)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESS RELEASE

2582nd Council Meeting

General Affairs and External Relations

– EXTERNAL RELATIONS –

Brussel, 17 May 2004

President:  Brian COWEN, TD

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland

Michael SMITH, TD

Minister for Defence of Ireland

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Main Results of the Council

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The Council also examined the situation in the Middle East, welcoming the outcome of the 4 May Quartet meeting and condemning terror attacks on Israel as well as calling on Israel to cease the demolition of houses in Gaza.

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MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS – Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council considered recent developments in the Middle East Peace Process. The Council welcomed the meeting of the international Quartet held in New York on 4 May and the statement issued after that meeting. The Council considered the situation in Gaza and the violence which has led to the deaths of numerous Palestinians and Israelis. The Council recalled that the Quartet had called for renewed efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire as a step towards dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure and renewed progress towards peace through the implementation of the Roadmap.

The Council condemned terror attacks on Israel and called on the Palestinian Authority to take immediate action against terrorist groups and individuals who plan and execute such attacks. The Council recalled that Israel's legitimate right to self-defence must be exercised within the parameters of international law. The Council condemned the large scale demolition of Palestinian houses in the Rafah district of Gaza as disproportionate and in conflict with international law and also with Israel's obligations under the Roadmap as recalled by the Quartet on 4 May. The Council called on the Israeli Government to cease such demolitions immediately.

The Council condemned any statements inciting violence. The Council also condemned the inhuman treatment of the remains of Israeli soldiers in Gaza."

 9210/04 (Presse 149)