EU Presidency Statement - Occupied Territories

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA country of the European Economic Area - Iceland, align themselves with this statement.

Mr. Chairman,

During the last year the Middle East has again been struck by great tragedy, but also seen a small glimmer of hope:

The situation has escalated dramatically with continued violence both in Israel and in the occupied territories, an alarming high number of civilian casualties and continuing violations of fundamental norms of human rights and international humanitarian law in the occupied territories.

The efforts of the international community, including not least the Middle East Quartet, to restart political talks on the basis of a concrete road map outlining the steps towards Palestinian statehood are, however, gaining considerable momentum and thus giving rise to hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Mr. Chairman,

The EU strongly condemns violent attacks targeted at innocent civilians on both sides, including last night's attack in a Kibbutz. The EU recognises Israel's right to live in security and to protect itself against terror. However, this right must be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war. As also previously noted by the Secretary General, self-defence is not a blank cheque that frees Israel from its obligations under international law

Whatever the aim, the use of excessive force - leading to serious human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law - can never be justified. The EU is gravely concerned at the Israeli use of extra-judicial killings, indiscriminate military attacks in civilian areas, arbitrary detentions, deportations, demolition of houses and infrastructure and the confiscation of property. We urge Israel to put an immediate end to such actions.

On its part, the Palestinian Authority must make all possible efforts with all legitimate means at its disposal to fight terrorism, prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle terrorist networks. Its capacity to detain and prosecute terrorists must be restored and it must unequivocally denounce terrorism and stop any incitement. Furthermore, the Palestinians must continue the efforts to reform the Palestinian Authority with a view to strengthening good governance, transparency and the devolution of power thereby strengthening the credibility of the PA as a partner in the Peace Process.

Mr. Chairman,

The economic, social and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories has worsened considerably and urgent efforts are needed in order to improve the situation.

The EU is gravely concerned by the intensified Israeli occupation of Palestinian cities as well as the severe restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement of persons and goods. We call on Israel to lift the blockade on the occupied territories. In accordance with UNSCR 1435 Israel must undertake an expeditious withdrawal of occupying forces from Palestinian cities and return to the positions held prior to 28 September 2000.

The alarming humanitarian situation in the occupied territories, which is a direct consequence of the Israeli restrictions, must be addressed immediately. In conformity with the Fourth Geneva Convention Israel must ensure that the Palestinian population in the occupied territories has access to all basic social services, especially food and medical supplies.

The European Union provides substantial funds for humanitarian relief to the occupied territories, but is finding it increasingly difficult to ensure that the aid reaches those in need. We reiterate the call on Israel most recently expressed by the Middle East Quartet to ensure full, safe and unfettered access by international and humanitarian personnel to the occupied territories in line with international humanitarian law. Moreover, we call on Israel to transfer withheld Palestinian VAT and taxes, amounting to some USD 600 million dollars, and immediately resume the monthly transfer of such funds.

Mr. Chairman,

During the last year we have seen a continued expansion of illegal settlements, the establishment of new settlement outposts and the expropriation of land at an alarming pace. Furthermore, we note with concern the construction of a security fence by Israel in the occupied territories, which may result in a further annexation of as much as seven per cent of Palestinian territory in the West Bank. Around 70.000 civilian Palestinians living in the area between the security fence and the green line will be forced to live in a legal vacuum and be physically cut off from their farm lands, jobs and families in the West Bank.

The EU once again urges Israel to reverse its settlement policy in the occupied territories, which runs counter to international humanitarian law and the Oslo agreements, stop the expansion of settlements and the construction of the security fence, which combined is changing the physical character and demographic composition of the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem. Such illegal and unilateral actions, which prejudge a final settlement, must end immediately.

Mr. Chairman,

There can be no military solution to this conflict. Peace and security can only be achieved through negotiations. Above all, it is up to the parties themselves to seek peace through a process of negotiations.

For its part, Mr. Chairman, the European Union remains ready - in close cooperation with the Quartet and all parties concerned - to continue to assist in the efforts at finding a final solution to the Middle East conflict and thereby realizing the vision where two states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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• Déclaration de la présidence sur la situation au Moyen-Orient y compris la Question palestinienne (23/9/2002)
• Quartet Statement on the Middle East (17/9/2002)
• Commissioner Patten's Statement on the Middle East at the EP (9/4/2002)