EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/10

(2004/C 78 E/0010)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3675/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(18 December 2002)

Subject: Europe and Palestinian terrorism

Terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians are occurring with tragic regularity. Only the method changes: sometimes a suicide bomber on a bus, in a pizzeria or a discotheque, snipers shooting at random, or breaking into a kibbutz and killing a mother in front of her two children. It is a war of attrition, which spreads terror using a variety of atrocities. Every now and then a politician or non-aligned intellectual or, occasionally, a newspaper denounces this barbarity, recognising that it is an expression of opposition to the resumption of dialogue and a savage fight against the only democracy in that part of the world. Europe, on the other hand, remains silent and seems to be demonstrating its inability to play a proper role in trying to establish equilibrium for the future of the Middle East. This inability obviously means that other powers will help to determine that future.

Does the Commission not consider that true equilibrium is to be found in condemning these atrocities and recognising that they are inappropriate for the achievement of peace? Since the EU funds the Palestinian Authority, does it not consider it appropriate to exert strong political pressure on the Authority itself to make it publicly condemn terrorist action and urge it to take steps to put a stop to the appalling cycle of terrorist acts? Does the Commission not consider that it is precisely in Europe's interests to make its position as an agent of equilibrium credible, in order to bring about peace and safeguard Israel as a democracy in the Middle East?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(23 January 2003)

The Commission has condemned, in the clearest terms, all acts of violence and terrorism, which have led to such tragic loss of life for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Regarding terror and violence the Union has pointed out the Palestinian Authority's (PA) responsibilities in fighting terrorism and will continue to press the Palestinian Authority, as the governing body responsible for maintaining law and order in the Palestinian territories, to do everything possible to put an end to terrorism and the armed intifadah, bring to justice perpetrators of criminal acts and dismantle all terrorist networks. On 20 December 2002, together with its partners in the international Quartet, the Union condemned the brutal terror attacks carried out by Palestinian extremist organisations. The international Quartet has called on Arab states to cut off public and private funding and all other forms of support for groups supporting and engaging in violence and terror.

At the same time, efforts are under way to arrive at a cease-fire that would end all acts of terror against Israelis, in all locations. It is surely worthwhile to pursue all channels of negotiation to end these horrendous attacks.

As the European Council has declared on many occasions, a peaceful settlement of the Middle East conflict requires full recognition of the right of Israel to live in peace and safely inside internationally recognised borders, as well as the creation of a viable, independent and democratic Palestinian state and the end of the occupation of Palestinian territories.