The Heads of State and Government of the European Union reaffirm
its support for a negotiated settlement in the Middle East, to
reflect the principles of "land for peace" and ensure the security
both collective and individual of the Israeli and Palestinian
peoples. In this context, the European Union welcomes the decision
by the Palestinian National Union and associated bodies to reaffirm
the nullification of the provisions in the Palestinian National
Charter which called for the destruction of Israel and to reaffirm
their commitment to recognize and live in peace with Israel.
However, the European Union remains concerned at the current
deadlock in the peace process and calls upon the parties to
implement fully and immediately the Wye River Memorandum.
The European Union also calls upon the parties to reaffirm their
commitments to the basic principles established within the
framework of Madrid, Oslo and subsequent agreements, in accordance
with UNSC Resolutions 242 and 338. It urges the parties to agree on
an extension of the transitional period established by the Oslo
agreements.
The European Union calls in particular for an early resumption of
final status negotiations in the coming months on an accelerated
basis, and for these to be brought to a prompt conclusion and not
prolonged indefinitely.
The European Union believes that it should be possible to conclude
the negotiations within a target period of one year. It expresses
its readiness to work to facilitate an early conclusion to the
negotiations.
The European Union urges both parties to refrain from activities
which prejudge the outcome of those final status negotiations and
from any activity contrary to international law, including all
settlement activity, and to fight incitement and violence.
The European Union reaffirms the continuing and unqualified
Palestinian right to self-determination including the option of a
state and looks forward to the early fulfillment of this right. It
appeals to the parties to strive in good faith for a negotiated
solution on the basis of the existing agreements, without prejudice
to this right, which is not subject to any veto. The European Union
is convinced that the creation of a democratic, viable and peaceful
sovereign Palestinian State on the basis of existing agreements and
through negotiations would be the best guarantee of Israel's
security and Israel's acceptance as an equal partner in the region.
The European Union declares its readiness to consider the
recognition of a Palestinian State in due course in accordance with
the basic principles referred to above.
The European Union also calls for an early resumption of
negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks of the Middle East
Peace Process, leading to the implementation of UNSCRs 242, 338 and
425.