The blockade of Gaza “unsustainable” for the EU which proposes 1 solution (Update)
(BRUSSELS2, in Luxembourg - updated 17:30 p.m.) The 27 foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday (June 14) put even more pressure on Israel to open the doors to Gaza. But they gave up on the idea of an international investigation, containing the Israeli investigation
While the statement adopted (1) is intended to be balanced condemning rocket fire (coming from the Gaza Strip) and calling for the release of soldier Ghilad Shalit, its main objective remains, as well as Catherine Ashton, the EU's chief diplomat l 'emphasized, in the columns of the International Herald Tribune this morning - to underline the "unbearable" side of the blockade initiated by Israel against Gaza; an “unsustainable” blockade is mentioned more diplomatically in the declaration. As announced in our previous post, the 27 say they are ready to contribute to the implementation of a mechanism based on the 2005 agreement to allow the reopening of border points.
A call for the blockade to be lifted. « The situation in Gaza remains unsustainable. The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive underline the 27 (2). The EU promotes a fundamental and urgent change leading to a lasting solution in Gaza » and launches a call « an immediate, sustainable and unconditional opening of border points for the passage of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and people from and to Gaza, including goods from the West Bank ».
The service offer of the 27. The European Union emphasizes its availability " based on the 2005 agreement to a mechanism allowing
« the reconstruction of Gaza and the revitalization of the economy ". " The goal is to establisha regular and full right of passage through land border points, and if possible by sea, based on a list of prohibited goods With " at the same time strict control over the destination of the imported goods ". The High Representative, Catherine Asthon thus receives the mandate “to engage in discussions with the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the members of the Quartet and others”. The discussion will then continue at the next Foreign Affairs Council, in July, to present " different options (also read: The 27 could propose
a mechanism for lifting the blockade of Gaza).
The international investigation.
The measure is in order, more than in order. The EU believes that an investigation " immediate, impartial, complete” remain on events and circumstances is " essential ". But the international aspect of the investigation is no longer a condition. It is above all a measure of efficiency. " To maintain the confidence of the international community, it should include credible international participation ". And that's all. In fact the Europeans accept what the Israelis have proposed: the creation of a national commission of inquiry, with the participation of two international personalities: one British, Lord Trimble (former Protestant Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and Nobel Peace Prize 1998), the other Canadian, Ken Watkin, (ex-advocate general of the Canadian army). As B. Kouchner explained to a few journalists during an intersession of the Council: “ the aspect of the investigation is not abandoned. But if we want less pressure on Gaza, we must not mix things up. »
(update) Bernard Kouchner's comments: "From this crisis could emerge a
blockade relief".
During an intersession of the Council, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bernard Kouchner, indeed came out to give some comments on the discussions to the journalists. « We want to relieve daily life in Gaza. You have to give them air. The current situation is not tenable. The number of trucks authorized (2000) is not enough, 12.000 are needed to supply Gaza. » And to add: This crisis could lead to an easing of the blockade. The biggest success to be confirmed would be to arrive at a restrictive list of prohibited products..
It doesn't seem obvious. " It's not done yet. » he adds immediately. It requires "Israeli consent." But “There are positive signs” he is. " We are on the right path. We could have an assent within the week. If this is done, we can say that the participation of the EU will have been decisive. “And to detail:” Eubam is not yet accepted but discussed. But not the goods, we will have to work on it. As for access by sea, it is “for the moment unthinkable. And anyway the port of Gaza - which we have already rebuilt once - is not suitable. according to Bernard Kouchner. Concretely “the crossing points would be directly administered by” Israelis and the Palestinian authority (as in the 2005 agreement).
The cautious optimism is shared by other delegations. Thus a diplomat from the Spanish presidency confided to me that Israel - under American pressure - knows "it must move". But there is a delicate point to manage, he underlined: “ how to open the borders without giving the impression that Hamas is winning ". And the opening of the borders, even relative, will make a victim: “the business of the tunnels which currently feeds Gaza”.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
(1) download the declaration of the 27
(2) " The situation in Gaza remains unsustainable. The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive. The EU calls for an urgent and fundamental change of policy leading to a lasting solution to the situation in Gaza »
