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The Council welcomes the Arab
Peace Initiative as reaffirmed in the declaration of
the Arab League Summit of 29 March and supports it
as a major element in moving the Middle East Peace
Process forward. The Council welcomes the positive
reaction of the Israeli Prime Minister and hopes
that a constructive dialogue between Israel and the
Arab side on the Initiative will start soon. The EU
stands ready to work closely with the special
committee and working groups to be established by
the Arab League.
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The EU continues to play an
active role notably in the framework of increased
Quartet engagement. To this end, the Council looks
forward to an early Quartet meeting in the region
and to close cooperation with regional partners. It
invites 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.
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The Council welcomes the
intention of President Abbas and Prime Minister
Olmert to meet on a regular basis. These meetings
should contribute to the effective and sustainable
improvement of the living conditions in the
Palestinian territories and to security. The EU will
continue to work closely with the parties including
by practical measures regarding access and movement,
governance and the security sector. The Council
expresses the hope that the meetings between
President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, in the
framework of a renewed political process, will soon
lead to meaningful negotiations on the final status.
The ultimate goal should be 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.
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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.
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The EU stresses the importance of
strengthening the Palestinian institutions. It
commends the Palestinian Minister of Finance Salam
Fayyad for re-establishing the Single Treasury
Account. It encourages the minister to undertake
further measures to ensure budgetary transparency
and has offered its support in that respect.
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Mindful of the continuing needs
of the Palestinian people, the Council endorses the
extension of the Temporary International Mechanism
(TIM) for a further three months. It reiterates its
call on Israel for the immediate resumption of the
transfer of withheld Palestinian tax and customs
revenues, directly or through the TIM. The Council
recalls the utmost importance of the full
implementation of the Agreement on Movement and
Access. It urges that Rafah and all other crossing
points, notably Karni, be re-opened and remain open.
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The Council calls on the parties
to consolidate the cease-fire in Gaza and to extend
it to the West Bank. It condemns the continued
firing of rockets into Israeli territory and urges
the Palestinian leadership to do everything in its
power to put an end to such acts. It reiterates its
call on the parties to put an end to all acts of
violence, and to all activities which are contrary
to international law. The EU remains deeply
concerned with the continuation of settlement
activities, and the ongoing construction of the
barrier on Palestinian land.
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The Council calls for the
immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier
and commends efforts, including by partners in the
region, to that effect. It also calls for the
immediate release of Palestinian ministers and
legislators detained by Israel.
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The Council condemns the
kidnapping of BBC journalist Alan Johnston in Gaza
on 12 March 2007. The Council demands his
unconditional and immediate release."
