Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-01-20-Speech-4-080"
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"en.20000120.5.4-080"2
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"Recent events in Tel Aviv show that the paths to peace, unlike those of Divine Providence, are not, alas, infinite in number. They can be blocked and thrown into chaos by terrorist attacks, they can become strewn with innocent victims and they can curtail or slow the efforts of those well-meaning people, on both sides, who sincerely want peace.
The Sharm el-Sheikh agreements and the Shepherdstown negotiations prove that, despite initial difficulties and differences, compromises can be achieved in the direction of peace, although peace is unfortunately not yet in sight. It is hidden by the smoke screen of terrorist attacks, it is sabotaged by terrorism, and it is pushed further away by all kinds of fundamentalism, which are always and, in any case, enemies of stability and security, and security is an essential factor for success: without security there can be no peace, and without peace in the Middle East the Mediterranean will be an insecure area where anything could happen.
The attitude of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Barak, is, however, understandable. He proposed to the Palestinian leader, Mr Arafat, to put back by a month or two the deadline set at 13 February for the conclusion of a broad agreement on the main points of the future permanent status of the Palestinian territories that have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. Also, the postponement of the third round of peace talks between Israel and Syria adds to the uncertain climate caused by the absence of guaranteed security.
On the other hand, our opinion is that the establishment of a new border between Israel and Syria, which anticipates a peaceful solution of the Golan Heights question and takes into account the security requirements of both countries, is an essential condition for the creation of new peaceful relations between the peoples concerned and for the aversion of the risks of fresh terrorist attacks and the ensuing violence. It is in the interests of the whole Mediterranean region for Israel and Syria to reach new peace agreements, and this would be a major contribution to the establishment of a new stability in the Middle East.
Nevertheless, we are convinced that there are also those who work against stability and security, sometimes with unspeakable
ferocity. They are the real enemies of peace. They use all possible means to destabilise governments and create disorder. They are there in areas where there is tension, or rather, they sometimes cause it deliberately in an attempt to end negotiations or stir up emotions among the public, thereby putting pressure on the governments. Europe must find the courage to expose these elements and to put itself forward, not only as a mediator or advisor at diplomatic level in the peace process, but also as an authoritative, strong partner in dialogue with the enemies of peace. It is unthinkable for violence and terrorist attacks to always cast a pall over
international relations. Terrorism – because this is what it is – must be denounced and fought relentlessly. We are there for our Israeli friends every time they are struck by blind, despicable terrorism, but we must also be increasingly effective against those who arm the terrorists.
While it is impossible for there to be an infinite number of paths to peace, we must ensure that there are, at least, an infinite number of paths which will allow us to stop and eradicate the dealers in death, the real enemies of peace."@en1
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