Doc. 8792
6 July 2000

Different measures to foster peace in the Middle East

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Goulet and others

1.        For several months observers of the situation in the Middle East have seen the peace process blocked.

2.        Despite diplomatic efforts, recent months have been disappointing. It is above all peace itself which is under threat in this part of the world, and the recent political changes in Syria are unlikely to promote stability in the region.

3.       In particular, the Palestinian people will not be able to wait any longer for the proclamation of a state that they have been promised for years. The Palestinian leaders will not be able to go on lecturing their soldiers and young people much longer about appeasement and comprehension, which have not been rewarded with any significant progress.

4.        Furthermore, the status of Jerusalem is still pending settlement and is likely to remain a stumbling block and sticking point, as the Israelis are unable to muster a majority favourable to a fair and lasting negotiated settlement.

5.        The Council of Europe is familiar with these issues and has already come up, in document 8347 on the situation in the Middle East: Israeli-Palestinian dimension, with proposals which, to date, have not been acted upon.

6.        As international law is not likely to be applied by force, the solution to a conflict which has lasted all too long will certainly have to be found in innovative diplomacy.

7. This region's history, including its recent history, should guide us towards a solution more closely matched to the real situation. Examples of interplay, interlocking, on an everyday basis, of coexistence and even interdependence are legion. Upon his return from the Wye Plantation agreements it was only with the Arab members' votes that Mr Netanyahu succeeded in having the budget passed by the Knesset. The interdependence of the two societies is due both to the cramped nature of the territory and to issues concerning water management, transport, environment and the status of transfrontier workers. For the communities, daily contact results from an Israeli presence in a Palestinian state, part of which is described by some as "confetti-like" given its patchwork structure. In addition to the status of Jerusalem, history should bring together the region's peoples, including the Jordanians, who co-existed before and during the British mandate as part of a whole.

8.        Consequently, the Assembly decides:

i.       Within the framework of its activities and the Sub-committee on the Middle East to hear the leaders of each of the parties involved - Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians - with a view to seeking a solution to this never-ending conflict and exploring in what conditions a federal state or Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian confederation might be set up, affording recognition to each country of its identity and security;

ii.       Similarly, the Assembly could investigate the possibilities of drawing up an economic co-operation agreement between these "states", constituting the beginnings of a Middle Eastern common market.

9.        The example of Franco-German reconciliation, successful despite a cruel war, should be a source of encouragement to the Assembly in pursuing and supporting this initiative.

Signed 1 :

Goulet, France, EDG

Barsony, Hungary, SOC

De Puig, Spain, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Ivanov, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Lauricella, Italy, SOC

Lengagne, France, SOC

Provera, Italy, LDR

Robol, Italy, EPP/CD

Schreiner, France, EDG

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1       SOC: Socialist Group