President of European Parliament addresses the Knesset – European Parliament press release/Non-UN document

The President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering addresses the Israeli Parliament (Knesset)

In the framework of a four-day visit to the Middle East, the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, today addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem.

In his speech, delivered in German, President Pöttering called for a joint conference – based on the model of the 1991 Madrid Conference – which would deal with, "peace and security, the development of a future with the peaceful co-existence of Israel and a Palestinian state as good neighbours, within secure borders and without violence. Israel, the Palestinians, the Arab countries and the Middle East Quartet could reflect together on the format, procedures and content of such a conference.

President Pöttering declared his support for the aim of a two-state solution and said the peace initiative of the King of Saudi-Arabia was a sign of the renewed determination in the Arab world. "Together, we must all take the Arab leaders at their word. We must avail of every opportunity that their commitment presents.

It would be desirable for the Middle East Quartet to meet in the region and for, "a multilateral approach and the prudent policy of small steps – this is the only way to advance on the road to peace."

Any position on how to resolve the conflict needs to be based on mutual respect: "Israelis and Palestinians are bound together by common values. The value and dignity of every person is equal, regardless of whether they are Jewish, Muslim or Christian," said President Pöttering.

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The full text of the speech is available in the section 'Speeches'.
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The programme of President Pöttering's visit to the Middle East included meetings in Gaza with the President and Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas and Ziad Abu Amr, and in Ramallah with the Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Hassan Khreishe. In Israel he spoke with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and later today he will meet with acting State President and Speaker of the Knesset, Dalia Itzik, as well as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The visit concludes tomorrow with an audience with King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman.