European Union @ United Nations, Partnership in Action
 
 
Actos dedicados a la UE en Nueva York y sus cercanías: detalles de los programas académicos y los encuentros, festivales artísticos y actividades culturales.

 
EU in the USA - delegation to Washington, DC

< Vuelta a la pagina anterior

EU Presidency Statement - UN Security Council Meeting on the situation in the Middle East

Sumario: EU Presidency Statement - UN Security Council Meeting on the situation in the Middle East (New York: 17 April 2006)

United Nations Security Council Public Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question; Statement by Ambassador Gerhard Pfanzelter, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union.

Mr. President



  2. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro, as well as Ukraine, align themselves with this statement.

  3. The European Union strongly and unreservedly condemns today's suicide bombing of a restaurant in Tel Aviv, which resulted in the death of at least 9 people and injured many others. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our sympathies to the injured.

  4. The EU condemns all acts of terror and violence. It expresses its grave concern over the recent violent events in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, in particular rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza and the escalation of Israeli military operations. It calls on both parties to exercise maximum restraint. The European Union urges the Palestinian Authority to ensure security in the areas it controls, and ensure the safety of international personnel. The EU continues to urge the Palestinian Authority to take effective measures against terrorism and violence, notably against suicide attacks and the launching of rockets, and to reform its security services. It also calls upon Israel to stop the practice of extrajudicial killings, which is contrary to international law. The EU reminds both parties of their obligations under the Road Map and existing agreements, including the Sharm al Sheikh understandings and the agreement on movement and access.

  5. On 10 April the External Relations Council of the European Union 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.

  6. 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: nonviolence, 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. The Council noted the result of the Israeli general elections. The Council underlined the importance of a strong commitment by the new Israeli government to work towards a negotiated solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on existing agreements, the relevant UNSC Resolutions and the principles laid down in the Road Map. On final status issues, the EU will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties. The Council called on Israel to desist from any action, such as settlement activities and the construction of the separation barrier on Palestinian land, that is contrary to international law and threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution. The Council urged Israel to take steps to improve the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinians including by resuming transfers of the withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues.

  10. The Council welcomed the recent statement of Acting Prime Minister Olmert to seek negotiations with the Palestinians and the positive response to it by President Abbas. In this context, the Council looked forward to an early engagement between the new Israeli government and the Palestinians in order to advance a just, viable and lasting solution which would bring peace to both the Israeli and the Palestinian people. The EU reaffirms the central role of the Quartet in promoting progress on the peace process.



*Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilsation and Association Process.



  • Ref: PRES06-070EN
  • Fuente UE: Presidencia de la UE
  • Foro NU: 
  • Fecha: 17/4/2006


< Vuelta a la pagina anterior

Ver también
 

Estados Miembros de la Union Europea