Israel is playing a dangerous game for the EU. Ashton says 'peace now'
(BRUSSELS2) Cathy Ashton is therefore visiting the Middle East. First important visit for the EU Chief Diplomat who will be able to sign here the opportunity to silence certain critics. His first speech, if not completely new on the European side, is, in any case, limpid and clear.
peace now
« My visit », she explained during her first stop in Cairo (Egypt), during a visit to the Arab League, has “aims to demonstrate the sustained importance that the European Union attaches to the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is in the vital interest of Europeans and it is a central issue for the resolution of other problems in the region. This region no longer needs conflict. She needs peace. A peace based on international law. Peace now because any delay will only make it more difficult (a solution). "Peace now...an iconic slogan of Israeli pacifists...
Parameters of peace for the EU
The EU's chief diplomat reiterated the parameters of a negotiation for the EU: "A two-state solution with Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Our goal is a viable State of Palestine in the West Bank, including Jerusalem East and the Gaza Strip, based on the 1967 lines. If (we want) real peace, a solution must be found to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of Israel and Palestine. And we need a just solution on the refugee issue.» Incidentally, the chief diplomat therefore operates a clear reframing of Israel. (*)
Israel at fault on the settlements and the blockade of Gaza: an obstacle to peace. " Israel's recent decision to build new housing in Jerusalem East seriously endangered and undermined the deal attempt to start negotiations soon ". " The EU position is clear repeated Cathy Ashton. " The constructions are illegal. They are an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible. "Similarly, " decision to classify, as Israelis, religious and cultural sites, located in the occupied Palestinian territories, is counterproductive ". " The blockade of Gaza is unacceptable. It has created enormous human suffering and harms possible steps forward. she added (*). Gaza, which the High Representative should visit in the company of Ban Ki Moon (unless the Israeli government finds a final pretext to prevent her from doing so).
The Palestinians must put their house in order
« The Palestinians, of course, also have responsibilities. First, I want to ask President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad to show us how they can build the institutions of a future Palestinian state. But the Palestinians must put their house in order. The continuing divisions between Palestinians do not serve their interests. The physical and political separation between Gaza and the West Bank is dangerous. Palestinian reconciliation is more important than ever. »
Europe ready to take responsibility
Finally, and above all, Cathy Ashton repeated the readiness of the EU to continue to support both the construction of Palestinian institutions and the peace effort. “The EU will continue to support the building of Palestinian institutions. But it should not be at the expense of the peace process. Institution building should facilitate the peace process. Not replace it..." « The EU is ready to invest in 4 areas “, she clarified: 1° Support the parties in their negotiation. 2° The EU to increase all of its assistance. Such commitment, however, cannot be endless. We urgently expect to see progress towards the establishment of a Palestinian state (...). 3° The EU is ready to consider providing political, financial and security guarantees to facilitate the peace process. 4° The EU wants to develop a close partnership with the key (partners) of the discussions, the United States and a "reinvigorated" Quartet. »
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
(*) The speech is in the original English version. No translation has been provided by the European Commission.
