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EU Presidency Statement - The situation in the Middle East

Summary: March 23, 2004: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Richard Ryan on behalf of the European Union to the United Nations Security Council. The situation in the Middle East (New York)

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia; the Candidate Countries, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey; the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro; and the EFTA countries, Iceland and Norway and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

Mr. President,

The European Union condemns the extra-judicial killing of Hamas Leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and seven other Palestinians by Israeli forces yesterday. The European Union has consistently opposed extra-judicial killings. Not only are extra-judicial killings contrary to international law, they undermine the concept of the rule of law which is a key element in the fight against terrorism.

The European Union has repeatedly condemned the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. The EU recognises Israel's right to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks. Israel is entitled to do this under international law. Israel is not, however, entitled to carry out extra-judicial killings. Furthermore, the assassination which has just been carried out has inflamed the situation. The European Union calls on all sides to exercise restraint and to refrain from acts of violence, which will only lead to more deaths and will put a peaceful settlement still further from reach.

Violence is no substitute for the political negotiations which are necessary for a just and lasting settlement. The Quartet Roadmap remains the basis for reaching such a settlement.

Thank you Mr. President.

  • Ref: PRES04-032EN
  • EU source: EU Presidency
  • UN forum: Security Council
  • Date: 23/3/2004


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See also
 

European Union Member States