Ramallah - Ma‘an - Palestinian Information Minister Dr Mustafa Barghouthi has called on the European Union to accelerate its dealing with the Palestinian government as a whole and without any discrimination between ministers. He also urged the EU to end the embargo and resume aid to the Palestinian government, which he reiterated was elected in a democratic way and represents 96 percent of the Palestinian people.
This followed a statement released by the Council of the European Union in regards to the Middle East peace process following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on 23-24 April.
Quartet principles
The EU Council concluded: "The EU recalls its readiness to work with and to resume its direct assistance to a Palestinian government whose policy and actions reflect the Quartet principles. In that context, it continues to closely evaluate the policy and actions of the new National Unity Government. It has initiated co-operation with members of the government who accept these principles."
In such a way, the EU is reiterating its intention of only dealing with members of the Palestinian government who accept Israel‘s right to exist, renounce violence and accept the previously signed peace agreements, as stipulated by the Quartet – comprising of the UN, EU, USA and Russia – as a condition for any Palestinian government to be fully accepted by the international community.
Release legislators and withheld funds
Minister Barghouthi also welcomed the development in the EU position in regards to the detained Palestinian legislators and ministers. In its conclusions, the EU also called "for the immediate release of Palestinian ministers and legislators detained by Israel."
Barghouthi also praised the EU‘s intention to resume aid. The EU Council endorsed in its conclusions the extension of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) for a further three months. It also reiterated "its call on Israel for the immediate resumption of the transfer of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, directly or through the TIM."
According to a press release accompanying the EU Council‘s concluding remarks, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, said at a press conference in Luxembourg that the EU would provide technical assistance including internal and external auditing, tax administration and customs management.
The EU Council also stressed in its concluding remarks the "importance of the full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access." It urged that Rafah and all other crossing points between the Gaza Strip and Israel, notably the Karni goods crossing, "be re-opened and remain open."
Support for an independent, viable Palestine
The EU Council also called for the ceasefire between the Israelis and the Palestinians to be extended to include the West Bank. It also stated that, "The EU remains deeply concerned with the continuation of settlement activities, and the ongoing construction of the barrier on Palestinian land."
Above all, the EU stressed its support for the final goal of "an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security."
Barghouthi welcomed the EU‘s position on these issues.
Barghouthi: recognise our flexibility
Minister Barghouthi also stressed that the Palestinian government has expressed its wish that the EU and the international community notice the flexibility and positive position of the Palestinian government‘s platform, which assured its respect for the signed agreements and the international law.
Barghouthi‘s statement also warned that stopping aid may weaken the government‘s efforts to reform government institutions and build up public departments.
Barghouthi also mentioned that the Israeli forces have committed 128 violations and raids against Palestinians and killed 23 Palestinian citizens, most of them civilians, during the first month since the formation of the unity government.
Barghouthi also pointed out in his statement that, in regards to the Israeli threats to invade Gaza again, the Palestinian government still calls for a comprehensive truce and for the completion of a prisoners‘ swap.
Barghouthi added that the Palestinian government has also condemned the abduction of the BBC reporter, Alan Johnston, and said that it is doing its best to ensure his release. In its concluding remarks, the EU Council demanded Johnston‘s "unconditional and immediate release," and "the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier", Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Palestinian military factions in June 2006.
EU backs increased Quartet engagement
In their concluding remarks, the EU Council also welcomed the 29 March Arab League summit’s peace initiative and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s “positive reaction” to it. The Council welcomed "increased Quartet engagement" and said it looks forward to an early meeting of the Quartet.
The EU Council encouraged the Quartet “to lead an effort by the international community for successful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of the Road Map and to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict.”
The Council also welcomed the intention of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert to meet regularly, which they hoped “will soon lead to meaningful negotiations on the final status.”