NEGOTIATING a peace deal between Palestine and Israel is increasingly urgent and requires a collaborative, not competitive solution, according to a top EU diplomat.
During a briefing with GCC journalists, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans added that the European Union (EU) strategy is to endorse the “free and independent State of Palestine”.
When asked if China could play a similar role in Palestine-Israel relations as it did in brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Mr Koopmans emphasised that every country should work together to push for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Instead of competing powerbrokers, he noted that the EU was pushing for a collaborative solution, pointing to the visit of special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue Zhai Jun to Brussels in March this year, a few days after Saudi and Iran agreed to resume ties.
Mr Koopmans acknowledged that China has a growing role in the Middle East and added that the two diplomats discussed sustainable ways to see peace return to the region.
“The conflict is, in a way, being aggravated by itself because the longer it is unresolved, the more complicated it becomes and the longer there are refugees around the world who cannot go back home,” he told the GDN.
He added that climate change and Israel’s settlements were further worsening the situation.
The diplomat also noted that the EU had expressed “deep concern and alarm” at Israel’s announcement of new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, which, combined with climate change in the region was making the situation much more urgent.
“These settlements are not just illegal, they are also contrary to any efforts to see peace because this is occupied territory,” he added.
“The EU is very clear in where it stands and we made that clear to the Israelis. We do have good relations with Israel, which we want to continue. Although we have many co-operation agreements, we have made it clear that those do not cover the occupied territories, because that is not Israel.”
The EU’s strategy in resolving the conflict revolves around showing all parties the scope for a prosperous future. Mr Koopmans went on to invite every country – both those which have normalised ties with Israel and those who haven’t – to work together with the EU to help resolve and de-escalate the situation.
In addition, the ‘European Joint Strategy in support of Palestine 2021-2024’ developed by the EU’s 27 member states emphasises a number of pillars necessary for an independent Palestine including sustainable economic development, self-sufficiency and public service delivery.
When asked if the EU would consider employing sanctions as it has in the past to end apartheid in South Africa or as it continues to do in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr Koopmans noted that he was focused on “showing how beneficial peace can be” to all parties, more than “carrying a stick.”
These comments were made during a Press briefing as part of an EU familiarisation visit for journalists from the GCC, taking place in Brussels, Belgium.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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