WRITTEN QUESTION E-1138/02 by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Council. The shift in Israeli government policy from peaceful coexistence with an equal Palestinian state to ongoing domination.
Date: 2002-04-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU relations, Israel, Palestine question, common foreign and security policy, international affairs

12.12.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 309 E/89

In April 2002 an independent working group presented a report on inter-country adoptions to the
Romanian Government. Prime Minister Nastase has welcomed the report as a basis for future policy on
international adoptions and has indicated that the package of laws proposed by the independent working
group will be adopted by the end of 2002. In the meantime, steps will be taken to improve administrative
capacity in order to implement this legislation.

The European Union, while taking note of these positive developments, will continue to monitor the
situation closely and to address the issue in relevant fora, notably within the bodies established by the
Europe Agreement between the EU and Romania.

(2002/C 309 E/103)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1138/02

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(22 April 2002)

Subject: The shift in Israeli government policy from peaceful coexistence with an equal Palestinian state to

ongoing domination

1.
Does the Council agree that since the Sharon government came to power in Israel by evoking ethnic
differences, the relationship between Israel and the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel in 1967 has
altered greatly and, instead of the previously agreed development towards an independent Palestinian state,
the Israeli government has unilaterally moved in the opposite direction, which is leading to the dismantling
of Palestinian self-government, the violent political purging of the Palestinian population, the cutting of
contacts with other states, further growth of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and the destruction
of ports, airports, roads and buildings?

2.
Does the Council agree that this change does not come particularly or solely from the natural need
of the people of Israel for security but rather from the political powers within Israel, which always took
the view that these territories should be made a permanent part of the Israeli state and that where
necessary the existing Palestinian population should be expelled or encouraged to leave, and are trying to
establish irreversible facts in their favour?

3. What is the cost of the destruction resulting from Israeli actions, since the Sharon government took
office, to projects for improvements in the Palestinian territories financed or cofinanced by contributions
from the EU or individual Member States?

4.
In view of the altered situation, is the Council prepared to make it clear that any policy based on the
inequality of the two peoples, on maintaining political and economic inferiority of the Palestinians, and on
colonisation and annexation can only lead to Israel’s isolation from the European Union?

Reply

(30 September 2002)

It is not for the Council to speculate on the motivations of the Israeli Government. But the Council has
stated repeatedly that there can be no military solution to the conflict and has called upon the parties to
move towards a political resolution of their disputes based on UNSCRs 242 and 338, and the principle of
land for peace. It looks forward to the day when two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within
secure and recognised borders, both enjoying close and warm relations with the European Union.

The damages incurred to Palestinian infrastructure financed in whole or part by the EU, including damages
incurred during recent IDF action, are in the process of being assessed.