S&D Group reiterates its strong support for two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians

Tuesday, 17 January 2017 12:23

The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the efforts to resume the international process aimed at finding a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

S&D MEP and vice-president Victor BoÅŸtinaru said:

"We appreciate the efforts of the French president and government to resume the international process that should lead to peace between Israelis and Palestinians through the two-state solution. We welcome the participation of more than 70 countries in yesterday's conference held in Paris, but regret the hostile attitude of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which undermined the participation of the two parties directly concerned, and the reluctance expressed by some important international players.

"The two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as the Arab Peace Initiative remains the most promising way to achieve peace in the Middle East. Therefore, we must do all we can to keep both alive.

"Yesterday's conference clearly showed the genuine concerns of the international community about the future of the two-state solution due to alarming trends on the ground. But it also proved that there is room for European initiatives in this context. It is in this spirit that the EU must play a more prominent political role in the Middle East peace process and make effective use of our existing leverage on both sides."

S&D MEP and vice-president Elena Valenciano added:

"This year marks the 70^th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's partition resolution (181) and the 50^th anniversary of the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. It is time to put an end to human suffering through a just peace.

"We reiterate our call on Israelis and Palestinians, but also on all international players, to avoid any unilateral steps that would create further obstacles to the two-state solution, including the construction or expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. The recently adopted UN Security Council resolution (2334), which we strongly welcome, is very clear: settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the two-state solution.

"We also hope that tomorrow's world is very near – but we hope that it will be the world of those working for peace, instead of those freezing the conflict. The S&Ds will continue to work for peace."