EU General Affairs and External Relations Council – Summary of discussion on Middle East peace process/Review of assistance – EU press release/Non-UN document

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

7939/06 (Presse 95)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESS RELEASE

2723rd Council Meeting

General Affairs and External Relations

External Relations

Luxembourg, 10-11 April 2006

President:         Ms Ursula PLASSNIK
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria

* Some external relations items were adopted without debate at the 2722nd meeting on General Affairs (ST 7938/06 Presse 94 ).

…

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council discussed the situation of the Middle East Peace Process following the swearing in of the new Palestinian government and the result of general elections in Israel.

The Council noted with grave concern that the new Palestinian government has not committed itself to the three principles laid out by the Council and the Quartet in their statements of 30 January: non-violence, recognition of Israel’s right to exist and acceptance of existing agreements. It urged the new Palestinian government to meet and implement these three principles and to commit to President Abbas' platform of peace. This would further the Palestinian people's aspirations to peace and statehood.

Consistent with the Quartet statement of 30 March, the EU is reviewing its assistance to the Palestinians against the new government's commitment to the aforementioned principles. The Council recalled that the absence of such commitment will inevitably have an effect on direct assistance to that government. The EU will continue to provide necessary assistance to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian population. In this context, it also underlined the importance of improved access and movement and called on both parties to implement the 15 November 2005 Movement and Access Agreement.

The Council notes with concern the recent violent incidents in the Palestinian Territories and calls on all parties to refrain from violence and exercise self-restraint. The Council urged the Palestinian Authority to ensure security in the areas it controls, and ensure the safety of international personnel.

The Council reiterated its aim to preserve and pursue the democratic functioning and development of the institutions of the Palestinian Authority. In this context, it emphasized the central role of President Abbas as the highest representative of the Palestinian Authority and the PLO and reiterated its support for him.

…