EU Presidency Statement - The ICJ-resolution - Explanation of vote

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

The European Union acknowledges the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the "Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" rendered on 9 July 2004. In the spirit of consensus we voted in favour of the resolution contained in document A/ES-10/18 which just has been adopted.

The European Union respects the ICJ and the Advisory opinion largely coincides with the EU position on the legality of the barrier built by Israel on the Palestinian side of the Green Line. The EU once again expresses its opposition to the route of the barrier being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem.

The European Union will not conceal the fact that reservations exist on certain paragraphs of the Court's Advisory Opinion. We recognize Israel's security concerns and its right to act in self defence.

The EU reconfirms its deep conviction that the Quartet Roadmap, endorsed by UNSCR 1515, remains the basis for reaching a peaceful settlement. It calls on all sides to refrain from further escalation and to take the steps required to begin the implementation of the Roadmap. The most important step is for all sides to desist from all further acts of violence.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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• GAERC on the Middle East (26/7/2004)
• EU Presidency Statement - Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation in the occupied Palestinian territory - ECOSOC (23/7/2004)