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Middle East/ EU: Conflict resolution? Creation of two states

2024-01-23 10:05:05Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Middle East/ EU: Conflict resolution? Creation of two states
The head of EU foreign policy, Josep Borrell

In Brussels, EU member countries consulted on a new strategy in the Middle East. At the center of the discussions is the option of a two-state solution.

The priority is the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, but in order to achieve peace, the causes of the conflict must be removed, stated the EU's Foreign Policy Commissioner, Josep Borrell, after the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels.

For this, the EU's chief diplomat has presented a "detailed strategy", which envisages a peace conference. Right from the beginning of the meeting (22.01.2024), Josep Borrell made it clear what he will discuss with the Foreign Ministers of the EU countries. "We should stop talking about the peace process, but we should start talking about the concrete two-state solution." Although among member states it will be difficult to agree on a position, said Borrell.

EU foreign ministers in unanimity on one issue

In recent weeks and months, EU member states have often found it difficult to unify a common position on the Israel-Hamas war. This is mainly observed in the fact that countries such as Belgium and Ireland have requested an immediate ceasefire, while other countries such as Germany and Austria, referring to Israel's right to self-defense, are talking about humanitarian pauses.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking in front of the microphones at the press conference German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking in front of the microphones at the press conference

It seems that the EU states will be able to unite in the stance regarding the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, this is "the only solution" and Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins also thinks that the EU should insist on a two-state solution. This is the only way to peace.

The EU has long supported the two-state solution, although in recent years there has been no movement in this direction. By this concept is meant a peaceful coexistence of an independent Palestinian state alongside an Israeli state in the Middle East.

Criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's statements

According to the French news agency AFP, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, after the attack on October 7 by the militant-Palestinian organization Hamas, which is classified by the USA, the EU and other countries as a terrorist organization, declared that Israel for a will long take responsibility for security in the Gaza Strip. Finally, Netanyahu again made it clear that he rejects a two-state solution after the end of the Israel-Hamas war. "I will not compromise, if it comes to full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan – and that conflicts with a Palestinian state," he wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

Several foreign ministers criticized Netanyahu's recent statements. Newly appointed French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné called them "disturbing". His Irish counterpart Michael Martin considers these statements to be "unacceptable". While the German Foreign Minister indirectly criticized and drew attention, that all those who do not want to know about a two-state solution, "so far have not offered another alternative".

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel warned that "if the Israelis believe that the two-state solution is not a solution, then they are completely isolated." Not only the EU, but also the USA adheres to the two-state solution in the Middle East conflict.

Whether the words of Foreign Minister Israel Katz had an effect in Brussels is not known, because he did not speak publicly on the subject. In a special meeting, the Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Riad Malki, was also received. The foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Secretary General of the Arab League were also present.

How can the two-state solution be implemented?

During a speech in Valladolid, Spain last week, the EU's top diplomat, Borrell, said that the two-state solution should be "imposed from the outside." In Monday's meeting (22.01.2024), Borrell was more reserved and said that we have not yet reached this point and we must first work on a concrete proposal.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomes this initiative in principle, but drew attention to the fact that peace cannot be imposed and that a minimum of will is needed in the region. Even the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic expressed reservations about whether Borrel's proposal will work. "There is a lack of a basic political will of all actors", declared Jan Lipavsky in the context of this meeting.

After the meeting, diplomatic circles learned that Borrell's proposal was welcomed by EU member states and will now be discussed further. At the next meeting in two weeks, the foreign ministers will again consider this proposal. Efforts will be made to bring the US on board for a peace conference, an EU diplomat told DW. DW

 

 


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