EP - Palestinian elections: Nabil Shaath appeals for EU support

"We have just lost our historic leader. The Palestinians are having difficulty moving forward. But we have chosen the path of democracy despite the risks", said the Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Nabil SHAATH, when he addressed the EP Foreign Affairs Committee and the EP Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council on Wednesday morning. Mr. Shaath stressed the importance of the presidential elections of 9 January and the legislative elections to follow in the spring. He also called on Europe to play a leading role in assisting the process to go off smoothly.

Excessive optimism?

Referring to a diplomat who had recently said to him that it was not a "window of opportunity" for peace that was now opening up but a whole "boulevard of opportunity", Mr. Shaath sought to temper the "euphoric optimism" which he said currently prevailed in some diplomatic circles. "There is an opportunity", he agreed, before indicating that he was waiting for some gesture from Israel.

The Palestinian Authority is trying to amend its electoral laws, he told MEPs. This could have an impact on the elections, as regards both the voting method and the results of the legislative elections. "We are moving towards a mixed system, in which 50% of representatives would be elected by proportional representation and 50% by a majority system. This procedure would entail a risk for Fatah but it would allow the small parties to be better represented", he said.

Mr. Shaath highlighted the contribution the EU could make to "reducing the risks" in these elections. He called on the EU to take part in the monitoring process and in drafting new electoral laws, to support the process financially and to play a political mediating role so as to achieve "a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation", which he said were preconditions for the success of the electoral process.

Adamos ADAMOU (GUE/NGL, CY) welcomed the "moderate discourse" of the Palestinian Foreign Minister and then went on to ask about the ban preventing Palestinians from travelling between different towns in the occupied territories. "It is clear that the elections will be virtually impossible if Israel continues its policy of occupation, assassination and blockades", replied Mr. Shaath. He added that Israel must "live up to its undertakings" by allowing Palestinians living in East Jerusalem to vote and by stopping its incursions so that the elections could take place freely. He described the Palestinian Authority's intention of rebuilding its security forces and of putting an end to "the presence of independent militias".

Negotiations with Hamas

"You are planning to negotiate with Hamas, taking part in the 'political game', so as to try and reduce the extremism of some resistance movements. What is the state of play on these talks? ", asked Véronique DE KEYSER (PES, BE). Replying to this, as well as a question by John BOWIS (EPP-ED, UK) on the same point, Mr. Shaath stressed it was "difficult to make people lay down their arms". He said he felt "that Hamas and Islamic Jihad are on the way to committing themselves to a ceasefire". However, he wondered whether Israel would cease its attacks in the event of a "commitment by Hamas".

Mr. Shaath also gave his view of the recent Israeli decision to withdraw its forces from the Gaza strip. "What do you think of this move by Mr Sharon? ", asked Pierre SCHAPIRA (PES, FR). "Initially, this decision was seen as problematic, as a unilateral withdrawal risks destroying the roadmap", answered Mr. Shaath. However, if certain conditions are met, the withdrawal will be welcomed. "Firstly, the withdrawal must be carried out in co-operation with the Palestinian Authority. Secondly, it must be conducted within the framework of the roadmap. Then, the Palestinians must enjoy complete freedom of movement. Lastly, this withdrawal must be carried out in parallel to a ceasefire", explained the Palestinian Foreign Minister.

In conclusion, Mr. Shaath welcomed the "energy" he currently observed in Europe in favour of the peace process, via the "roadmap". "A resolution of the Palestinian question will remove the extremists' excuse for waging a war of cultures, which today is giving rise to both antisemitism and islamophobia", he said.

01.12.2004 Committee on Foreign Affairs
In the chair: Elmar BROK (EPP-ED, DE)

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