Algeria
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Palestine *
Syria *
TunisiaPalestinian and Israeli Presidents address MEPs
June 23, 2016
Share on 
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at the European Parliament today (23 June), asked MEPs for more help to find a fair and just two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.“It is time for our people to live in freedom, without walls and checkpoints”, he said.
He conveyed his people’s gratitude to the European Parliament for recognising a State of Palestine and criticised Israel for pursuing its occupation of Palestinian territories. President Abbas also condemned the use of violence and terrorist attacks as a means to build a state, warning that terrorism could be eradicated from the region only if Israel puts an end to its occupation of Palestinian territories. “Israel has turned our country into an open prison”, he said.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz said that helping to ensure the stability and proper functioning of Palestine is a moral duty for EU.
On Wednesday 22 June, Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin addressed MEPs calling them to help build trust in the Middle East. “The elected Israeli leadership has been and is in support of two states for two peoples solution”, President Rivlin told MEPs. However “at this time, a permanent agreement for peace between us and Palestinians cannot be achieved.”(EU Neighbourhood Info)
Read more
Press release on Palestinian President’s visit to European Parliament
Press release on Israeli President’s visit to European Parliament
European Parliament – The EU and the Middle East peace process
Council conclusions on Middle East Peace Process (20-06-2016)
Countries covered:
-
Israel
-
Palestine *
