During the plenary session (10-13 February 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on US Middle East plan - EU response in line with international law. Statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, Anna–Misel ASIMAKOPOULOU (EPP, EL), Kati PIRI (S&D, NL), Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), Anna BONFRISCO (ID, IT), and Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - USA (T)

VAUTMANS, Hilde (Renew, BE)

PIRI, Kati (S&D, NL)

peace process in the Middle East (T)

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC)

MANDL, Lukas (EPP, AT)

ASIMAKOPOULOU, Anna-Michelle (EPP, EL)

BONFRISCO, Anna (ID, IT)

US Middle East plan - EU response in line with international law: extracts from the debate

Title: US Middle East plan - EU response in line with international law: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, For too long, we have been witnessing a conflict that has caused endless suffering for a generation of Israelis and Palestinians alike. The increasingly dire situation on the ground, including violence, terrorism, incitement, settlement expansion, illegal, by the way, and the consequences of the ongoing occupation has destroyed hope on both sides and reduce the viability of a two state solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, Whre are we today? It remains my firm view, but there is still a way forward if both the parties are willing to resume credible and meaningful negotiations. International support for any such efforts would clearly be crucial to their success in this regard. The tabling of concrete proposal such as the United Nations one could be helpful, both as a catalyst for deeper reflection on the way forward. As an a potential opportunity to better start for a political process which has been at a standstill for too long.

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, The proposals tabled two weeks ago. Clearly challenges the international agreed parameters, and it is difficult to see how this initiative can bring both parties back to the table.

SOUNDBITE (English), Anna&#8211;Misel ASIMAKOPOULOU (EPP, EL), MEP 9th parliamentary term, Mr. Borrell, you stated that the United States Middle East peace plan departs from internationally agreed parameters here and you also used rather pointed language originally when you said that part of this plan, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged. Naturally, this evoked a reaction from our Israeli friends who warned that this type of what they called threatening language could lead to the e.u.'s role in the peace process being minimized. Meanwhile, the Palestinian leadership has angrily dismissed President Trump's plan as a conspiracy. I think it's frankly unreasonable to expect that either side would greet this proposal with any real enthusiasm.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, We do not know what President Trump's deal of the century actually is. Apart from being one sided, illegal and intentionally provocative, but it is most certainly not a genuine effort at finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SOUNDBITE (English), Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, Our red lines as Europeans are broadly backed by the international community. I believe, Mr. Borane, that an international peace conference at the high level led by you would be the weight out of this. And we will give you our backing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Anna BONFRISCO (ID, IT), MEP 9th parliamentary term, As European Union, we have to declare our particular position above all, because Belgium, Estonia, Germany, as non-permanent members are on the side of France in the Security Council, the United Nations right now with Brexit. The time has come for us to exercise external policies which will then which will be new and provide horizons for the future.

SOUNDBITE (English), Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, EU has not contributed much with a concrete proposal in the past, so we should constructively deal with the proposal from the United States. EU is contributing a lot in terms of development aid and other terms, but has not proposed anything in the past. So let's deal constructively.