Jerusalem capital of two states, retreat or warning
(BRUSSELS2) The Council of Foreign Ministers which just ended on Tuesday was largely devoted to a few words in parentheses (we say "brackets" in the Franglais language of European corridors). The Middle East is, in fact, one of the issues on which Europeans find it most difficult to offer a unified, original and hard-hitting point of view. In general, therefore, they confine themselves to following the positions of the Security Council. Between more pro-Palestinian countries (Sweden, Austria, Spain...) and more pro-Israeli countries (Czech Rep., Italy...), the EU offers a whole range of positions.
The Swedish text, submitted to the Council, caused a stir, because it was quite harsh with a call for immediate negotiations and clearly specifying the limits of the Palestinian State: the West Bank (west bank of the Jordan) - in including East Jerusalem - and Gaza. Which, in itself, is not a revolution since the UN General Assembly has never recognized the annexation of East Jerusalem by the Israelis and has always incorporated it into the Occupied Territories. But juxtaposing it with the need for an "independent, democratic, contiguous and viable state of Palestine" has caused trouble around the world, starting with significant Israeli pressure.
Interesting points
After a few hours of discussion this geographical delimitation was removed. But the Council's conclusions remain in full force. I see four interesting points:
• The EU calls for the “ "urgent" resumption of negotiations which must lead to a two-State solution, with a State of Israel, and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine (all words are important), living side by side in peace and safe ».
• The EU also recalls “that it will never recognize the annexation of East Jerusalem. And that a way must be found through negotiations (words retained) to resolve Jerusalem's status as the future capital of two states. »
• More generally the EU “ recognizes no changes to pre-1967 borders, including Jerusalem (the words that appeared in parentheses have been retained)”. She calls the government of Israel " to immediately end all construction activities, in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank, and to dismantle all those erected since 2001 ».
• The EU considers “ unacceptable and politically counterproductive the policy continues to close of Gaza. She " reiterates its demand for an immediate, unconditional and sustained opening of the crossing for humanitarian aid, commercial goods and people from and to Gaza ».
nothing new really
According to Middle East specialists, Yes and No. These words have already been heard in a certain way on both sides. And that's just words. But words are a big part of diplomacy. And you have to pay attention to the meaning.
1° These words are taken up by the 27, including by States which have not really condemned the offensive on Gaza (the Czech Republic, for example, a year ago had a very different position). So she hires them.
2° The words are also quite hard and clear. There is no possible ambiguity: two States, separate, autonomous, viable, with Jerusalem as the capital (for both), the end of settlements, immediate resumption of negotiations. It's important to remember that from time to time.
3° Finally, the European Union is showing that it has something to say and that it counts. That "her" words carry weight when spoken. That in this "world concert" only the United States can make their voice heard.
In doing so, the Swedish presidency lost a few words in the battle - but which are anyway suggested in the rest of the text - but gained by putting the EU back in the field of world diplomacy. In a way, they are asking Catherine Ashton, the new High Representative of the EU, to take it up. It thus has an approved roadmap. From which she cannot deviate too much.