Middle East Features
INTERVIEW: EU committed to peace, Israeli security, Solana says
By DPA
May 14, 2008, 14:54 GMT

Brussels - The European Union is 'firmly committed' to helping bring peace in the Middle East and security to Israel, and will not negotiate with Hamas, until the Palestinian group listed by Brussels as a terrorist organization accepts those aims, the EU's top foreign-policy official Javier Solana said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa ahead of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy said: 'The EU is firmly committed to the security of Israel.'

Solana is the official foreign-policy representative of the council of the EU's 27 member states, and thus the highest authority on the union's joint dealings with the rest of the world.

dpa: Given that EU member states agree on the need for a two-state solution, is there agreement among EU governments as to how this should be achieved?

Solana: The EU has a clear position on this. A two-state solution should be achieved through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

Negotiations on final status issues are taking place for the first time since 2000. The process launched at Annapolis last year began with a joint Israeli-Palestinian statement on a commitment to reach an agreement by the end of 2008.

Despite the need for greater progress, the Annapolis process remains at present the most effective way of pursuing the two-state solution. The parties should also fulfil their Road Map obligations in parallel to these negotiations.

dpa: What is the EU doing in practical terms to help bring about a two-state solution?

Solana: The EU has stepped up its commitments in support of Palestinian state-building efforts in view of the negotiations currently taking place. We are supporting the establishment of a modern and democratic police force and an efficient penal and judiciary system.

We are working on institution building and good governance. We are providing support for the sustained growth of the Palestinian economy and we are also building on our activities in the field of customs and trade.

We also continue to provide support to sustainable Palestinian Authority finances, quick-impact projects and emergency and humanitarian support.

dpa: Would it be fair to say that the EU can only play a supporting role to the United States in finding a peace agreement?

Solana: I think we are all in it together. There is no doubt that the role and involvement of the US is crucial. The international community is deeply involved in the quest for peace in the Middle East.

The Quartet (of the US, UN, EU and Russia) remains an active player. Berlin will host an international conference in support of Palestinian civil security and the rule of law on June 24. Both Egypt and Russia plan to host conferences in the next three months. We all have a role to play. It's an international joint effort.

dpa: How do you respond to Israeli criticisms that the EU is pro-Palestinian?

Solana: I think this criticism is unfair. I also believe there is less of these characterisations from Israel than in the past. The EU is firmly committed to the security of Israel.

We are involved in a number of activities and actions in the Middle East that are conceived with Israel's security in mind. We are working with the Palestinian civil police to support the Palestinian Authority in taking responsibility for law and order, and improving its civilian police and law-enforcement capacity.

A modern and democratic Palestinian police force is also an Israeli interest. In general, our relations with Israel have improved and are developing continuously.

dpa: Do you believe that direct talks by the EU with Hamas are, in the long run, unavoidable?

Solana: Hamas has so far not committed itself to the three principles laid out by the council (of EU member states) in January 2006. Until Hamas renounces violence, recognises Israel's right to exist and accepts existing agreements there will be no direct talks.

dpa: Is the refusal by Israel to stop further settlements in contradiction with EU demands?

Solana: Settlement building is illegal under international law. This includes Israeli settlements in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Settlement construction is an obstacle to peace.

The Road Map is also clear that Israel should freeze all settlement activity, including the natural growth of existing settlements, and dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001.