Printed copies of this publication, and back issues, can be obtained from:<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
United Nations<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Division for Palestinian Rights<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n\n
New York, New York 10017<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Tel: 917-367-5570<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Fax: 212-963-4199<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n
\n
\n
European Council Conclusions on the Middle East peace process<\/strong><\/span>
\nBrussels, 23 January 2012 <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\n
On 23 January 2012, the European Council adopted the following conclusions:<\/i>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
1. The EU welcomes the efforts by Jordan to facilitate direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians as part of the Quartet process. The EU calls on both parties to come forward with comprehensive proposals on borders and security, as envisaged in the Quartet statement on 23 September. A bold and decisive demonstration of political leadership is needed from both sides to encourage the momentum and ensure real progress.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
2. Against the backdrop of worrying developments on the ground in 2011, particularly with regard to settlements, the EU reaffirms its commitment to a two state solution: The legitimacy of the State of Israel and the right of Palestinians to achieve statehood must never be called into question. The viability of the two state solution must be preserved. The EU will continue to reinforce efforts towards resolving the conflict through its contribution to the Quartet, its continued partnership with Israel, and its support for the Palestinian Authority's state-building efforts. The EU reaffirms its clear positions on negotiations, with regard to parameters, principles and issues, including the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2009, December 2010, May, July and October 2011 as well as the statement delivered on behalf of the EU at the UN Security Council on 21 April 2011.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
3. The EU stresses the central role of the Quartet and backs the Quartet process to reach an agreement between the parties not later than by the end of 2012. The EU fully supports the High Representative in her continued efforts to create a credible perspective for the relaunching of the peace process. The EU reiterates its support to the Arab Peace Initiative. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
4. The EU calls on the parties to demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful solution and to the Quartet process by actions that can build confidence and create an environment of trust necessary to ensure meaningful negotiations, leading to a comprehensive and lasting peace.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
5. The EU welcomes the appointment of the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process."<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
OIC statement on Doha Declaration on Palestinian Reconciliation <\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Jeddah, 7 February 2012<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
On 7 February 2012, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation issued the following press-release:<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has welcomed the Doha Declaration on Palestinian national reconciliation which was signed yesterday by the Fatah and Hamas movements. He expressed the hope that the provisions of the agreement on forming a national unity government and other issues that would consolidate national unity and contribute to the realization of the aspirations and yearnings of the Palestinian people would be implemented.<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\nThe Secretary General noted that it was necessary to implement the Declaration in order to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause in the international arena. He also commended the State of Qatar for patronizing this important achievement and the Arab Republic of Egypt for its efforts in bringing about Palestinian reconciliation. <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
Statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
on Israeli settlement approvals<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Brussels, 22 February 2012\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
The spokesperson of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement on 22 February 2012: <\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The High Representative is deeply concerned by the approval on 22 February by the Israeli Civil Administration of new construction in the settlements of Shvut Rachel and Shilo as well as the retrospective approval granted for housing units already built.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
Settlements are illegal under international law. In addition the Quartet Roadmap states that Israel should not only freeze all settlement activity, but also dismantle those settlements erected since March 2001. It is particularly important at this point that neither party in the Middle East peace process undertakes provocative actions which undermine the prospects for continuing the dialogue which was re-established in January.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The High Representative calls on Israel to respect its obligations under the Roadmap and reverse this decision. <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
Statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
on the closure of two Palestinian television stations<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Brussels, 3 March 2012\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
On 3 March 2012, the spokesperson of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement: <\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The High Representative is deeply concerned by the incursion into Ramallah by Israeli security forces to seize equipment from the Palestinian television stations, Wattan TV and Al Quds Educational TV.<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
Incursions by Israeli forces into Palestinian cities where the Palestinian Authority, under the Oslo Accords, assumes the powers and responsibilities for internal security and public order is a breach of those accords and puts in jeopardy the internationally recognized success of Palestinian institution building efforts. The European Union has worked with both stations, which have been broadcasting for many years.<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
The Oslo Accords established an Israeli-Palestinian Joint Technical Committee to address any issues arising in the telecommunications field. The High Representative calls on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to use this mechanism to urgently resolve any issues concerning broadcasts by these companies.<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
Readout of the US President Obama’s call with Palestinian Authority President Abbas<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Washington D.C., 19 March 2012 <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
On 19 March 2012, the Office of the White House Press Secretary issued for immediate release the readout of the call by US President Obama with the President of the Palestinian Authority Abbas. The text of the readout is reproduced below: <\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
President Obama called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas this morning to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. The President reaffirmed America’s commitment to Middle East Peace and to the overall objectives outlined by the Quartet. The President noted the positive efforts by King Abdullah of Jordan and his Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh to advance dialogue between the parties. The President also noted the need for all parties to reinforce the efforts that have brought an end to the recent fighting and thanked President Abbas for his contributions in that regard. The two leaders agreed on the necessity of the two-state solution, and President Obama noted that Jordan’s efforts to foster direct discussions between Israel and the Palestinians are an important contribution to the cause of peace. They also discussed the ongoing need to build trust between the parties and for all sides to refrain from provocative actions that make it more difficult to build such trust. They agreed to remain in close contact about these important issues.<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
Chair’s Summary on the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
Brussels, 21 March 2012<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The following press release was issued at the conclusion of the Brussels meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, in which AHLS members and donors reconfirmed their assessment of the state readiness of the Palestinian Authority regarding the institutions studied: <\/i><\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
AHLC members and other major donor countries met in Brussels today. The meeting was hosted by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. The Chair, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, commended the participants, in particular the Palestinians and the Israelis, for their spirit of cooperation and their positive contributions to the deliberations. <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
The AHLC reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the vision of an independent, democratic and sovereign state of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security, as well as their strong support for negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in full compliance with Road Map obligations. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
Based on reports and recommendations from the parties, the UN, the World Bank, the IMF and the Quartet Representative to this meeting in Brussels, the donors reconfirmed their assessment of the state readiness of the Palestinian Authority regarding the institutions studied, and focused their further discussions on the Palestinian Authority’s fiscal sustainability and economic viability. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
After three consecutive years of progress in the quality and functioning of the institutions, high levels of growth, improved living conditions and security in the West Bank, and revival of hope for the people, the Palestinian Authority experienced a slow-down in 2011. The economy grew at a slower rate, which can be attributed to falling donor support combined with the uncertainty caused by the Palestinian Authority’s fiscal crisis, as well as insufficient easing of Israeli restrictions. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
At the beginning of 2012, the Palestinian Authority experienced a severe fiscal crisis, which threatens to become protracted given the recent and projected declines in donor assistance. The Palestinian Authority is making a concerted effort to strengthen its fiscal position, including taking steps to raise domestic revenues and control expenditures. However, these efforts will not be successful unless they are supported by actions of the Government of Israel and the donors. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
Donors recognized that the Palestinian Authority simply cannot succeed in reducing the projected recurrent deficit to the currently expected levels of aid through solely its own actions. Therefore, in the short-term, it is imperative that additional donor funding be identified and transferred immediately to reverse the crisis before it becomes totally unmanageable. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
Ultimately, sustainable economic growth and an end to the fiscal crisis will require greater realization of the Palestinian private sector’s potential. This can be achieved both by (1) relaxing Israeli restrictions on access to land, water, a range of raw materials, and export markets, and by (2) improvements by the Palestinian Authority in its business environment and ability to attract needed investment. Donors also expressed their concern about access to economic activity in the Area C, which constitutes the major land area for the Palestinians, and emphasised that greater economic potential will be achieved when access is assured. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
The AHLC expressed concern for the situation in the Gaza Strip and reiterated its full commitment to the UN Security Council resolution 1860, including for the need for security for all civil populations. It welcomed that sustained recovery and high levels of growth in Gaza translate into higher employment and improved living conditions – even if the figures indicate, in part, the low base from which the growth started. A lasting recovery in Gaza will require a further increase in exports and private sector imports of investment inputs, as well as lifting restrictions on the legitimate passage of people. <\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
On this basis the AHLC: <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
– calls on donors to ensure the contribution of 1 billion USD in assistance to meet the recurrent financing requirements for the PA in 2012 with due regard to burden sharing, and to commit to continuing provision of adequate and predictable funding for recurrent costs through the transitional period;
\n– welcomes the PA’s decision to persevere with the structural reforms, widening of the tax base and maintaining fiscal discipline as an orderly path to self-reliance; <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
– welcomes the ongoing talks to make the clearance revenue mechanism more efficient and transparent, and urges for a swift conclusion and implementation of improvements needed, as well as calls on the GoI to ensure monthly transfers to the PA in a predictable manner; <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
– calls on GOI to facilitate sustainable growth of the Palestinian economy – one that is underpinned by a vibrant private sector – by taking further steps to improve movement of people and goods, development, and trade and exports in the West Bank and Gaza, including in Area C and East-Jerusalem; <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
– while welcoming the increase in building materials for infrastructure development and housing allowed into Gaza, calls for increased efforts, including implementation of long-term solutions to the water issues and finalization of plans for establishing production capacity for the medium-term water supply; <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
– calls on the Joint Liaison Committee to intensify its efforts to facilitate tripartite coordination locally with a view to ensuring effective progress on the ground; and <\/p><\/div>\n
\n