Middle East peace process, relations with Arab League – EU General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions – EU press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

10657/07 (Presse 138)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESS RELEASE

2809th Council Meeting

General Affairs and External Relations

External Relations

Luxembourg, 18 June 2007

President:         Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

6039/07 (Presse 18)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESS RELEASE

2780th Council Meeting

General Affairs and External Relations

External Relations

Brussels, 12 February 2007

President:         Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

* Some external relations items were adopted without debate at the 2808th meeting on General Affairs (10654/07).

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MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS – Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council expresses its deep concern regarding the extremely serious events in Gaza. The Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent coup perpetrated by Hamas militias, in particular attacks against and the destruction of the legitimate security services of the Palestinian Authority, the summary execution of many of its members, the attacks against hospitals and the cruel treatment of captives. The Council deeply deplores the loss of human life, including civilians and humanitarian workers. The Council calls for the immediate cessation of all violence and hostilities, including in the West Bank, and for the restoration of law and order. All those responsible for criminal acts in violation of the standards safeguarded by international humanitarian law and of fundamental human rights must be held accountable.

2. The Council supports the Arab League's call for restoring Palestinian National unity and the unity of Palestinian territory. The Council also supports ongoing efforts by the Egyptian government to mediate a cease-fire. It appeals to all the countries of the region to join these efforts and to help stop the supply of weapons to the militias.

3. In calling for an urgent political solution of the crisis, the EU expresses its full support for President Abbas and his decisions taken within his mandate to declare a state of emergency and to install an emergency government for the Palestinian Territories under Prime Minister Fayyad, underlining the importance of the Palestinian basic law. All Palestinian parties should abide by his decisions. It recalls that reconciliation and national unity behind the programme of peace articulated by President Abbas is the only way to achieve Palestinian national goals.

4. Gravely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, the EU will do its utmost to ensure the provision of emergency and humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza, whom it will not abandon. Unimpeded access to humanitarian aid deliveries must be guaranteed. The extension of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) for a further three months until September 2007 will also contribute to the emergency relief. The EU calls on Israel to facilitate the provision of humanitarian help.

5. The Council reiterates its call on Israel for the immediate release of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues.

6. The EU will resume normal relations with the Palestinian Authority immediately. With this objective, the EU will develop the conditions for urgent practical and financial assistance including:

7. In the current circumstances it becomes all the more urgent to take forward a credible peace process which can give the Palestinian people the perspective of an independent, democratic and viable state living side by side with Israel, and bring peace and stability to the Middle East. "

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RELATIONS WITH THE ARAB LEAGUE

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In the margins of the Council's meeting on 14 and 15 May, ministers met for the first time with an Arab League delegation. The two sides agreed to work together in supporting efforts towards a settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as enhancing cooperation between themselves.

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