Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-12-12-Speech-3-141"
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"en.20011212.4.3-141"2
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"Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, it is a somewhat peculiar experience to be talking about the Middle East here a few hours after the impressive and emotional presentation of the Sakharov Prize to Mrs Peled and Mr Ghazzawi. But it is just that – the existence of wise people on both sides of the line who have managed to remain tolerant under tragic personal circumstances – it is precisely the existence of people of this kind that makes it meaningful and necessary for us to continue to search for a solution to a problem that at first glance seems so hopeless.
It is to the cynics in this room, and particularly those outside Parliament, that I say: yes, the European Union has its own special role to play. We will not succeed without the Americans, but neither will we succeed with the Americans alone. What does that mean from my point of view?
It means that the European Union must be critical of both sides; critical towards Israel with regard to her reoccupation of Palestinian areas, the erection of blockades and extrajudicial executions. On the other hand, however – and let there be no misunderstanding on this point – critical of the Palestinian authorities who could have done more and must do more in the future to combat terrorist attacks and dismantle networks. However, whilst we wish to keep a balance, let us not forget that this is not a struggle between two equal parties. It is the State of Israel that bears prime responsibility for the current conflicts and their resolution. This means that we must exert as much pressure as possible on Israel to find a solution. This means exerting pressure in order to prevent them from finding ways out and excuses for not starting negotiations when they could in fact be taking place. This also means exerting pressure on Israel to distance herself from the kind of thinking which, for example, equates Arafat with Bin Laden. This is a highly dangerous comparison which will only serve to make it extremely difficult for a solution to be found.
We also owe it to the winners of the Sakharov Prize to do all we can to keep their hope alive."@en1
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