EU Council Conclusions on Middle East

2776th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting

MIDDLE EAST

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. The Council expresses its full support for President Abbas and his continued efforts for national unity. It calls on all Palestinians to support these efforts and to end internal violence. The EU stands ready to work with a legitimate Palestinian government that adopts a platform reflecting the Quartet principles.

2. The Council welcomes the meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas on 23 December 2006 and emphasises the need for prompt implementation of commitments made at this meeting. It takes note of the partial transfer by Israel of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues. It calls for the early resumption of the 2005 Sharm-el-Sheikh understandings. The Council expresses the hope that this meeting will be the first in a series of meetings in the framework of a renewed political process, which should lead to meaningful negotiations on the final status. The ultimate goal should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security.

3. The Council calls on the parties to consolidate the cease-fire in Gaza and to extend it to the West Bank. It condemns the continued firing of rockets into Israeli territory and urges the Palestinian leadership to do everything in its power to put an end to such acts. While commending Israel for its present restraint concerning Gaza, it calls for an end to Israeli military interventions in the West Bank.

4. The EU calls for the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier and commends efforts, including by partners in the region, to that effect. It also calls for the immediate release of Palestinian ministers and legislators detained in Israel.

5. The EU stresses the importance of strengthening the Palestinian institutions. It will continue to pursue practical and visible measures, including on access and movement, governance, the security sector and a functioning administration. It welcomes the extension of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) for three months, which - in coordination with the Office of the President - is providing essential relief to a large part of the Palestinian population. It reiterates its call on Israel for the immediate transfer of all withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues. It encourages Israel to consider to do so through the TIM. The Council recalls the utmost importance of the full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access and in this regard reiterates its continued commitment to the EU Border Assistance Mission in Rafah. It urges that Rafah and all other crossing points, notably Karni, be re-opened and remain open.

6. The EU is deeply concerned about the recent authorisation of settlement activities by the Israeli government, and the ongoing construction of the barrier on Palestinian land. These developments are contrary to international law and the Road Map. The Council calls on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution. Settlement activities in and around East-Jerusalem as well as in the Jordan valley are of particular concern. The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties.

7. In this context, the EU emphasises its determination to play an active role in the framework of increased Quartet engagement, with a view to urgently put in place a political and diplomatic process offering a political perspective in the quest for a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict, in line with the Road Map and the relevant UNSC resolutions, and also taking into account the Arab League Beirut Declaration. The Council underlines the need to work closely with the parties and regional partners. In accordance with the Road Map, the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, should in due course convene an international conference to realise these goals. At this critical moment, the Council looks forward to an early meeting of Quartet principals.

LEBANON

1. The Council welcomes the international conference in support of Lebanon and the Lebanese people due to take place in Paris on 25th of January 2007 and stands ready to support it notably through the European Neighbourhood Policy. The EU is actively contributing, in close coordination with the Lebanese government, to the full success of the Conference. The Council commends the ambitious Programme on Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform adopted by the government of Lebanon on January 4th, 2007. The EU also welcomes the decision by the Lebanese Government to adopt the ENP action plan; this opens the path to further intensify cooperation in support of Lebanese national priorities. The Council recognises the need for international assistance, financial and otherwise, to complement the efforts of the Lebanese government to lay a sound foundation for a sustainable and equitable economic and social development in Lebanon.

2. The EU stresses that a solution to the current political deadlock is of the utmost importance for the stability and development of Lebanon and in the interest of all Lebanese people. Such solution should be sought only through dialogue and with full respect for the democratic institutions of the country. In this respect, the Council expresses its appreciation for the mediation efforts by the Secretary General of the Arab League.

3. The Council reiterates its call for the immediate release of the two abducted Israeli soldiers.

4. The Council reaffirms its determination to reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It urges Israel to stop violation of Lebanese airspace by the Israeli Air Force. The Council calls on Syria and other countries in the region to refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of Lebanon. They must actively engage in the stabilisation of Lebanon. The Council commends the assistance provided by UNIFIL to the Lebanese armed forces to extend control by the government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 1701. It reconfirms its full support to the efforts of Prime Minister Siniora and the legitimate and democratically elected government, aimed at maintaining dialogue with all political actors in Lebanon and at tackling the important challenges it is facing, in particular fully implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 and the other relevant UNSC resolutions, establishing the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with UNSC Resolution 1664 and reconstructing the country."

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• Middle East Quartet Statement  (21/3/2007)
• EU Presidency Statement - UN Security Council: Situation on the Middle East (13/2/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (12/2/2007)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions (22/1/2007)