B4-0581, 0584, 0585, 0587, 0588, 0589 and 0594/98

Resolution on the situation in the Middle East

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in the Middle East,

- having regard to UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425,

- having regard to the Council statements on the Middle East peace process,

- having regard to the Commission communications on the role of the EU in the Middle East peace process and its aid contribution in the future, on the implementation of the Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related matters between the European Community and Israel and on the Euro-Mediterranean cumulation of rules of origin,

- having regard to the final declaration of the Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean Conference and the Malta and Palermo Euro-Mediterranean Conferences,

A. whereas the Middle East peace process is a fundamental element in guaranteeing peace and security throughout the entire Mediterranean area,

B. having regard to the continuing deadlock in the Middle East peace process since the last Israeli elections in spite of recent attempts, including those by the European Union, to restart dialogue between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority,

C. whereas growing tensions are strengthening the most radical factions on both sides,

1. Reaffirms its support for the Oslo Agreements, based on the principle of 'land in exchange for peace' as the sole means of ensuring stability in the region and consequently the stable security of Israel and the full recognition of the rights of the Palestinians;

2. Urges the Israeli Government to proceed with a withdrawal from the occupied territories consistent with its commitments under the Oslo accords, in order to contribute to the restoration of trust which is necessary for the peace process to move ahead and in which solutions must be sought to the final status issues (borders, settlements, refugees, Jerusalem and the definitive status of Palestine) by 4 May 1999, the date foreseen in the Oslo Agreements;

3. Asks the Council and the Commission to make every effort to support this process, making full use of the EU's relationship with the parties concerned, including Syria and Lebanon, and the good offices of Mr Moratinos;

4. Calls on the governments of Lebanon, Syria and Israel to revive and resume the peace negotiations at the point they had reached when they were broken off and in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the principles laid down at the Madrid Conference on the Middle East;

5. Calls on the Council Presidency to take the necessary initiatives to allow the European Union to play its full role in promoting the Middle East peace process;

6. Supports the implementation by the EU of a new package of measures aimed at countering terrorism and helping the Palestinian Authority to develop its capacity to combat terrorism, including the establishment of a joint EU/Palestinian security committee;

7. Urges the Israeli Government to end the policy of settlement in the occupied territories, in order to create a climate of confidence between the two sides;

8. Calls on the Council to contribute to ending the current state of uncertainty and absence of any decision by actively supporting the presentation of the latest proposals for a time-limited, phased West Bank withdrawal;

9. Calls for the immediate implementation of specific measures such as the opening of Gaza airport and 'safe passage' transit arrangements between Gaza and the West Bank for Palestinian workers and food supplies, and draws attention to the undertakings regarding the construction of a seaport in Gaza;

10. Believes that within the framework of the next financial regulation for aid to the Palestinians, economic support should be maintained at the current level while being aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and proper functioning of Palestinian institutions;

11. Supports action taken by the Commission to ensure full respect of the EU/Israel Interim Trade Agreement and encourage regional integration by offering cumulation of rules of origin to all Mediterranean countries;

12. Considers that aid from the Union should be granted with a priority to initiatives, in particular those put forward by NGOs, which benefit both communities in the areas of civil society, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the realization of infrastructures promoting economic and social development;

13. Proposes regular joint meetings with parliamentarians from the Knesset and the Palestinian Legislative Council under the aegis of the relevant European Parliament delegation and as appropriate with the participation of parliamentarians from the third countries concerned;

14. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Israeli Government, the Knesset, the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Legislative Council, the governments and parliaments of Syria and Lebanon, and the Government and Congress of the United States.