WRITTEN QUESTION E-3532/00

by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 November 2000)

Subject: Peace process in the Middle East

On 5 September 2000 the Speaker of the Knesset, Mr Avram Burg, and Mr Ahmed Qurie, his counterpart in the Palestinian Legislative Council, spoke at Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg on the situation in the Middle East, the future status of Jerusalem and the hopes for definitive peace in this troubled region of the planet. The speeches by the two Speakers were models of constructive attitudes, they were full of suggestions and ideas and revealed that at any rate majorities in the legislative bodies of both Israel and the Palestinian administration wished to advance along the road to reconciliation. A highly significant element in these speeches was the suggestion that Jerusalem should become a global capital, a centre for monotheistic religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam), so that instead of being a city of hatred it would become known as a city of love. Paradoxically, the suggestion by the Speakers of the two legislative bodies of Israel and Palestine did not appear to attract the interest of the Council or the Commission, who could adopt and promote it in order to eliminate the stalemate on the status of Jerusalem, thus increasing the European Union's prestige in the area and making a real contribution to consolidating peace.

Since the future of Jerusalem is at the heart of the Palestine issue and is a question that prompts fanatical acts, and even death, on both sides, is the Commission looking at the possibility of the European Union promoting the suggestion that Jerusalem should be made into an international city and turned into a global capital for the three monotheistic religions, along the lines of a suggestion made by the parties involved in the region which could put a stop to the constant bloodshed which we are unfortunately witnessing once again in this region? If so, does the EU intend to use a military presence to guarantee smooth implementation of the proposal?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 2000)

The constructive interventions of Mr Burg and Mr Qurie at the Parliament on 5 September were a positive contribution to the process of reconciliation among

their peoples, thereby fostering the hope for a swift end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Commission appreciates and supports similar beneficial interventions from all parties. Against the background of what appeared to be an approaching negotiated settlement, the current wave of clashes is particularly saddening.

It remains mostly for the parties themselves to negotiate to find workable peaceful solutions. There is no valid alternative to peace. Thus the Commission is convinced that an agreement that satisfies the vital needs and legitimate concerns of Israelis and Palestinians can and must be found.

The necessary first step is to restore calm on the ground, allowing for a fruitful resumption of negotiations in turn leading to a lasting peace agreement. The Commission is ready and willing to support the implementation of such an agreement through all mechanisms at its disposal.