Summary: April 19, 2004: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Richard Ryan, on behalf of the European Union, to the Security Council of the United Nations on 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 country Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, the Stabilisation and Association Process countries, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia-Montenegro, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, declare that they align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The European Union has expressed its deep concern at the ongoing and seemingly endless cycle of retaliatory violence involving Palestinian groups and the Israeli Defence Forces. The EU condemns the extra judicial killing of Hamas leader Abdel-Aziz-al Rantissi by Israeli forces and the suicide bombing at the Eretz crossing. 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. The EU calls for an immediate end to such violence. The EU also again reminds the Israeli government that extra judicial killings are contrary to international law. The EU has pointed to the futility of the current violence, either as a means of freeing Palestinians from occupation, or bringing long-term peace and security to Israelis. The EU recalls its firmly held position that a negotiated settlement is the only means for achieving a
just and lasting peace that will satisfy the legitimate concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Mr. President,
The European Union reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated two-State solution agreed between the parties which would result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with an Israel living within recognised and secure borders. The Union reaffirms its belief that the Roadmap represents the only route to achieving such an outcome. The Union is determined to pursue vigorously the course set out in the Roadmap and calls on both sides to
fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap.
The European Union recalls its established position, restated by the European Council of 25-26 March, that the Union will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties. The Union emphasises that no declared views on the possible shape of a final settlement can pre-empt the negotiation of that settlement.
The European Union also notes that the refugee question and the manner in which the right of return may be realised is also a Final Status issue and that the Roadmap states that a final and comprehensive permanent status agreement that ends the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must include an agreed, just, fair and realistic solution to this question.
In this context, the Union notes President Bush's reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to the Roadmap and to a negotiated settlement.
The European Union emphasises the principle, shared by President Bush, that Final Status issues are a matter for negotiation and agreement between the parties themselves and must not be prejudged.
The European Union notes President Bush's agreement that secure and recognised borders should emerge from negotiations between the parties in accordance with UN Security Resolutions 242 and 338. These and other relevant Security Council Resolutions must form the basis for a just and lasting settlement of the conflict.
Mr. President,
The European Union welcomes the prospect of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The European Council has stated that such a withdrawal could represent a significant step towards the implementation of the Roadmap provided that it is carried out in accordance with certain conditions. This is an opportunity which the international community led by the Quartet should seize.
The proposed withdrawal should be properly orchestrated with the international community so as to ensure that an orderly situation in Gaza results which will permit the maintenance of security as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Union urges all parties to undertake urgently preparations towards this end.
On that basis, the European Union reiterates its readiness to support the Palestinian Authority in taking responsibility for law and order as well as to continue the Union's existing aid to the Palestinian Authority and to examine possible future needs which may arise in the context of a new situation in Gaza.
The Union stresses the need to avoid a political vacuum, and the dangers which that would involve, in the interim period between now and the beginning of any withdrawal. It recalls that there are a number of measures which need to be adopted in the period immediately ahead in the political, security and humanitarian spheres in order to prevent further deterioration and to resume progress.
Mr. President,
The European Union urges an end to violence and terrorism as well as the resumption of a ceasefire embracing all parties and groups. It calls on both sides to resume negotiations on the peace process without further delay.
The European Union recalls that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace must meet the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian people and must include Lebanon and Syria.
The European Union also calls on all States in the region to exert every effort to promote peace and to combat terrorism.
The European Union looks forward to an early meeting of the Quartet at Principals' level. The Quartet should play an active role in pursuing the goal of a comprehensive regional peace and encourage the parties to move ahead vigorously on the basis of the principles outlined above.
Thank you Mr. President.
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