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STATEMENT ON THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS
"The European Union reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated
two-State solution agreed between the parties which would
result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent
Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with an
Israel living within recognised and secure borders. The
Union reaffirms its belief that the Roadmap represents the
only route to achieving such an outcome. The Union is
determined to pursue vigorously the course set out in the
Roadmap and calls on both sides to fulfil their obligations
under the Roadmap.
The European Union recalls its established position,
restated by the European Council of 25-26 March, that the
Union will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders
other than those arrived at by agreement between the
parties. The Union emphasises that no declared views on the
possible shape of a final settlement can pre-empt the
negotiation of that settlement.
The European Union also notes that the refugee question and
the manner in which the right of return may be realised is
also a Final Status issue and that the Roadmap states that a
final and comprehensive permanent status agreement that ends
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must include an agreed,
just, fair and realistic solution to this question.
In this context, the Union notes President Bush's
reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to the
Roadmap and to a negotiated settlement.
The European Union emphasises the principle, shared by
President Bush, that Final Status issues are a matter for
negotiation and agreement between the parties themselves and
must not be prejudged.
The European Union notes President Bush's agreement that
secure and recognised borders should emerge from
negotiations between the parties in accordance with UN
Security Resolutions 242 and 338. These and other relevant
Security Council Resolutions must form the basis for a just
and lasting settlement of the conflict.
The European Union welcomes the prospect of Israel's
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The European Council has
stated that such a withdrawal could represent a significant
step towards the implementation of the Roadmap provided that
it is carried out in accordance with certain conditions.
This is an opportunity which the international community led
by the Quartet should seize.
The proposed withdrawal should be properly orchestrated with
the international community so as to ensure that an orderly
situation in Gaza results which will permit the maintenance
of security as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Union urges all parties to undertake urgently
preparations towards this end.
On that basis, the European Union reiterates its readiness
to support the Palestinian Authority in taking
responsibility for law and order as well as to continue the
Union's existing aid to the Palestinian Authority and to
examine possible future needs which may arise in the context
of a new situation in Gaza.
The Union stresses the need to avoid a political vacuum, and
the dangers which that would involve, in the interim period
between now and the beginning of any withdrawal. It recalls
that there are a number of measures which need to be adopted
in the period immediately ahead in the political, security
and humanitarian spheres in order to prevent further
deterioration and to resume progress.
The European Union urges an end to violence and terrorism as
well as the resumption of a ceasefire embracing all parties
and groups. It calls on both sides to resume negotiations on
the peace process without further delay.
The European Union recalls that a just, lasting and
comprehensive peace must meet the legitimate aspirations of
both the Israeli and Palestinian people and must include
Lebanon and Syria.
The European Union also calls on all States in the region to
exert every effort to promote peace and to combat terrorism.
The European Union looks forward to an early meeting of the
Quartet at Principals' level. The Quartet should play an
active role in pursuing the goal of a comprehensive regional
peace and encourage the parties to move ahead vigorously on
the basis of the principles outlined above."
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