EU: We must build a state for the Palestinians

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that a new state must be built for the Palestinians, adding that the exile of Palestinians and the occupation of Gaza by Israel cannot be permitted.

Borrell briefed journalists at the conclusion of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Stating that they focused on the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza during today's meeting, Borrell also mentioned that they held discussions on what should be done after the conflict ends and on potential scenarios.

Borrell continued his remarks as follows:

"We must find a solution for peace between Palestinians and Israelis and in the region. The dramatic crisis we are experiencing today, and the massive loss of life on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides, demonstrate the political and moral failure of the international community. We have failed to find a solution. Because of this situation, everyone must now understand that a solution is indispensable. And that solution must be a future with two states."

"We must build a new state"

Emphasizing that the reconstruction of Gaza will not be enough, Borrell expressed the following:

"We must build a new state for the Palestinians. This means we need to look at the post-conflict period. Arab countries do not want to talk about this right now; they want to talk about the present. We must define the parameters for a solution. Today, I presented a framework containing the conditions for this to the ministers. The ministers supported this approach. We must work urgently on this framework together with the US and Arab countries."

Stating that the EU says "no" to three issues, Borrell listed them as follows:

"First, forced displacement outside of Gaza cannot be allowed. We cannot allow the exile of Palestinians. Second, the territory of Gaza cannot be reduced. The territory of Gaza cannot be occupied by Israel. Third, the situation in Gaza must be part of the solution to the Palestinian issue."

"A single legitimate Palestinian authority is necessary"

Borrell said that for the resolution of the Palestinian issue, there must be "a single legitimate Palestinian authority," and this must be accepted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

"There is a Palestinian Authority right now. We are not going to invent a new Palestinian Authority," said Borrell, noting that the existing Palestinian Authority must be strengthened.

Noting that they do not want Gaza to be in the hands of Hamas and that "some kind" of Palestinian authority will need to be involved in Gaza, Borrell said, "No one knows how we will do this because no one knows when this conflict will end."

Underlining that Arab countries must provide strong support to this Palestinian authority, Borrell stated that a solution would not be possible without the involvement of Arab countries, without their help in reconstruction, and without their political contribution to the formation of a Palestinian state.

Borrell also expressed that the EU is not sufficiently present in the region and must absolutely be involved in the solution.

EU to evaluate visa liberalization for Armenia

Stating that they also addressed the Azerbaijan-Armenia issue at today's meeting, Borrell provided information that they decided to increase the EU mission in Armenia with more personnel and more patrols in sensitive areas along the border.

Borrell noted that they would evaluate options for providing financial support and visa liberalization to Armenia, that they called for the continuation of peace negotiations between the two countries, and that they decided to invite the Armenian Foreign Minister to the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

News Source: AA