EU Calls For Unconditional Resumption of Peace Talks
 
20 October 2001
Palestine Media Center – PMC
http://www.palestine-pmc.com
 
Following their meeting on 19 October 2001, the heads of state and government of the European Union called for the immediate and unconditional re-launching of peace negotiations in the Middle East. The statement came following the Israeli invasion and reoccupation of a number of Palestinian cities and towns including Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem as well as the mounting Palestinian death toll from the Israeli military offensive.

In a press release by the Belgian European Union Presidency, the statement read,
 

6. The European Council emphasizes the crucial need to re-launch the Middle East peace process without any pre-conditions. Resolutions 242 and 338 must remain the foundation for a political settlement, based on the establishment of a Palestinian State and the right of Israel to live in peace and security. Such a settlement is necessarily conditional upon the cessation of violence and recognition of the principle of two States. The Presidency of the European Council is instructed, together with the High Representative and the Commission, to visit the countries directly concerned to determine the means by which the Union can foster the re-launch of such a process. The Union will attach special importance to reviving economic activity and investment in Palestinian territory.
 

7. The European Union will increase its efforts in other regions of the world to promote a fair international system based on security, prosperity, democracy and development. Law must be restored to areas of lawlessness. A return to stability in the Balkans remains one of the European Union's clear priorities.