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EU suppresses East Jerusalem report Jewish Socialists in Britain have written to Members of the European Palrliament and Westminster MPs condemning the decision by European Union Foreign Ministers to shelve the EU’s report on Israeli annexation moves in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Forwarding a letter from European Jews for Just Peace to the MEPs, the Jewish Socialists’ Group warns that the EU ministers’ decision is a blow to Palestinians and Israeli peace forces, and will forfeit what respect the EU has in the Middle East. From the Jewish Socialists’ Group, JSG, BM3725, London WC1N 3XX, to Members of the European Parliament:. Dear Sir or Madam, We are concerned at the reported decision by European foreign ministers to shelve an EU report on Israel’s measures to annexe Arab areas of East Jerusalem. We understand that Mr. Javier Solana persuaded ministers to drop the report, warning that Europe’s influence over Israel would be severely undermined if it were to be published. We further understand that Britain’s foreign secretary, Jack Straw, announced this decision, even though it was British diplomats in Jerusalem who drafted the report under Britain’s EU presidency. Britain’s experience in this part of the world, and diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem, have been valued by Palestinian residents and those concerned for human rights and the future of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It is reported that Mr. Straw said “The political landscape has altered within Israel - there is a general election in a few months time,” referring to Ariel Sharon’s decision to form a new political party. “So we thought it was appropriate not to endorse or to publish the document, but instead to continue to make representations about our concerns in the normal way.” We would ask what evidence there is of the EU’s “influence” on Israel’s actions, or how much attention the Israeli government pays to “representations” made in “the normal way”? What has been achieved, for the rights of East Jerusalem residents, or to limit Israeli expansion, as a result of witholding criticism of Israel or supressing information like that contained in the East Jerusalem and Ramallah EU Heads of Mission Report?. We too hope for change in the Israeli general election, that’s to say, for the defeat of the right-wing parties by the Labour Party under its new leader Amir Peretz. We urge him not to retreat, but to deliver a real change of policies, befitting the aspirations of those who voted for him. But the illegal annexation of East Jerusalem, the expansion of settlements and continued denial of Palestinian rights, are not an internal matter for Israel. By ignoring its own report, and commitments, as well as Palestinian feeling, to focus in effect on what is conveniant for Mr. Sharon, and his election prospects, the EU and the British government are disappointing Palestinian hopes, undermining peace forces in Israel, and forfeiting the trust, respect and influence they might expect to have in the Middle East in future. yours sincerely, Charles Pottins for the National Committee of the Jewish Socialists’ Group, Appended below is letter which the European Jews for Just Peace (EJJP), to which we are affiliated, sent to President Manuel Barroso: President Manuel Barroso Dear President Barroso I am writing to bring to your attention how disappointed we were concerning the decision of the EU to delay taking action after receiving the recent report, compiled by the UK’s Jerusalem consulate into Israel’s actions in and around East Jerusalem. These actions are not only illegal under international law but are highly prejudicial, to say the least, to any hope of achieving a just and viable settlement of the conflict. From the annexation and expansion of Ma’aleh Adumim into the E1 area to the recent signing of a contract for a passenger transit system from Mount Herzl to Pisgat Ze’ev, it is clear that Israel is contravening the Road Map obligations it claims to accept. What is so perplexing is that the report makes explicit the deliberate policy of Israel and its profoundly iniquitous treatment of non Jewish residents of East Jerusalem. Israel seeks delay in which to establish, build and expand “facts on the ground” - illegal de facto annexation of land - and in this instance, the EU is providing it. This is not some dry abstract land gain. Israel’s actions - as Ariel Sharon’s comments when signing the contract for the passenger transit system referred to above make explicit - are designed to “build, expand and strengthen [Jerusalem] as the eternal capital of the Jews and the unified capital of the state of Israel.” This would put a final status agreement on Jerusalem beyond the boundaries of what is possible. The establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian State would be unachievable. A two state solution would be out of the question. As you will be aware, European Jews for a Just Peace has opposed the upgrading of EU political and economic ties with Israel on the basis of Israel’s circumvention of the very agreements under which these relations have been proposed. The response has been to offer assurances that constructive engagement will be more productive. We would be interested to hear specifically what the EU feels this policy has achieved in the light of the points raised in this letter. We trust that these points will be considered at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on 12th December and by heads of state at the Council meeting later that week. While we understand that the recent announcement of elections in Israel have a tendency to perhaps put inter-governmental relations into limbo, we would ask you to remember that the residents of East Jerusalem would continue to feel the full effect of Israeli state activity in their neighbourhoods. We believe that firm, timely and honest action by the European Union on this issue is required. Inaction raises questions of credibility. Without action, the conflict will intensify, not dissipate. Lives - more lives - will be lost. Yours sincerely, Dan Judelson Secretary, EJJP |