Foreign Minister Støre welcomes stronger EU engagement in the Middle East

“I share the EU foreign ministers’ concern about the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process. To a large extent, the EU’s conclusions coincide with Norway’s view. I welcome stronger EU commitment in the Middle East,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

Tuesday, the EU foreign ministers issued conclusions on the peace process in the Middle East in which they underline the need to resume negotiations that will lead to the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state. An agreement must be achieved on the basis of the agreements previously reached, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

The issues of borders, Jerusalem, refugees, water and security will have to be resolved in the negotiations. The European Union will not recognise any unilateral changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem. The EU expressed deep concern about the situation in East Jerusalem, and called for access to Gaza to be restored. 

“The EU is a major financial contributor, and it is positive that it is taking a clearer political role in the Middle East,” said Mr Støre. 

“I am particularly concerned about the situation in East Jerusalem and would like to stress that it is important that the negotiations lead to an agreement on Jerusalem as the future capital of both states. The international community has never recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem. Norway has repeatedly criticised Israel for evicting families and demolishing Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem,” said the Foreign Minister.