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Council Conclusions on the Middle
East Peace Process
2780th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting
Brussels, 12 February 2007
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"The Council welcomed the fact that an agreement has
been reached in Mecca on 8 February on the formation of
a Palestinian national unity government. It paid tribute
to the sustained efforts of President Abbas to form a
government of national unity and expressed its
appreciation for the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
and Arab leaders in bringing about Palestinian
reconciliation. The EU stands ready to work with a
legitimate Palestinian government that adopts a platform
reflecting the Quartet principles and welcomed the
Quartet statement of 9 February.
The Council also welcomed the statement by the Quartet
at its meeting in Washington on 2 February, in
particular its intention to give active follow-up to
meetings between Israeli and Palestinian leaders and to
remain closely engaged at this moment of increased
activity and dialogue. The Council looks forward to
early and regular meetings of the Quartet at Principals’
and envoys’ level on the basis of an agreed calendar,
including meetings with the parties and other regional
parties. It welcomes the Quartet’s commitment to monitor
developments and actions taken by the parties and to
discuss the way ahead.
The Council expressed its full support for the
forthcoming meeting between Prime Minister Olmert,
President Abbas and Secretary of State Rice, and
encouraged the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to launch
a process with the goal of ending the occupation that
began in 1967 and creating an independent, democratic
and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side in
peace and security with Israel.
The Council looks forward to the next Quartet meeting at
Principals’ level on 21 February in Berlin to further
discuss the way forward.
Reiterating its position, as set out in the European
Council Declaration of 14 and 15 December 2006 and the
General Affairs and External Relations Council
Conclusions of 22 January 2007, the EU underlines its
determination to pursue its practical measures and to
continue playing an active political role, notably in
the framework of increased Quartet engagement." |
