UN: EU statement on illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory

United Nations, General Assembly, 10th Emergency Special Session; Illegal Israeli Actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Statement by H.E. Ms. Kirsti Lintonen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN, on behalf of the European Union

New York, 15 December 2006

Madam President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

Madam President,

The European Union reiterates that the construction of the separation barrier in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, is contrary to international law. The construction of the barrier in the occupied Palestinian territory is having a detrimental effect on the lives of Palestinians and jeopardises a final status agreement. We reiterate our call on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution.

The European Union reiterates its intention to actively contribute to the work of the Quartet to get the Middle East Peace Process urgently back on track in order to make progress towards a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Roadmap, relevant UNSC resolutions and the commitments made at Sharm-el-Sheikh in 2005. This should be done in close cooperation with Arab partners. The European Union welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza that President Abbas for the Palestinian factions and PM Olmert have committed themselves to. We encourage the parties to proceed to further confidence building measures and to the resumption of a credible political process.

The European Union reaffirms that it will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties. We remain committed to the two-State solution as laid out in the Roadmap and agreed between the parties, which would result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with Israel living within recognised and secure borders.

In July 2004, the European Union voted in favour of resolution ES-10/15 on the Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem.

We support the establisment of a credible register which is based on the Secretary-General's report.

Thank you, Madam President.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.