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A European action plan for the Middle East Guest commentary by Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier in the Handelsblatt of 15 October 2007 During the last few years, we have become accustomed to bad news from the Middle East: terror and violence, the ever greater suffering of civilian populations, then the Hamas putsch in Gaza followed by the declaration of a state of emergency by President Abbas. And today? Hope is burgeoning because the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians has once more gained momentum. For the first time in seven years, there is a genuine prospect that a negotiated settlement can be reached. Israel's Prime Minister and the Pales tinian President are engaged in intensive talks on the shape of a future two-state solution. The Arab League has adopted a constructive approach to these talks. President Bush's invitation to a Middle East summit this autumn provides the parties, as well as other actors, with a focal point for all efforts and will lend the peace process added impetus. Despite all the pessimism, which we know from experience is well-founded, there is a real chance that the long-desired negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be achieved. However, success is anything but assured. Experts point out well-known dangers and obstacles. We should not allow ourselves to be discouraged by the difficulties. Drive, dedication and focus on what is feasible are needed now. Europe has a key role to play in this. We should take up this challenge not in a conceited attempt to vie for media attention but in close consultation with the parties and the major actors involved. What is more, our contribu tion should ensure that the support for the peace efforts of the international community as a whole is as coherent as possible. In my view, Europe will have to focus on two tasks. Firstly, a supportive and conducive regional and international environment has to be created for the Olmert/Abbas negotiation process. And secondly, the development of economic and institutional structures as well as of the security sector in the Palestinian territories has to progress quickly. With regard to the first task – creating and safeguarding the right environment for the nego tiation process – the US is of central importance. The commitment shown by the US Secretary of State deserves recognition and support. It deserves – and I believe needs – staunch European support. The EU has strong and close relations based on mutual trust with the parties and states of the Middle East and, in close consultation with Washington, we can make use of these good relations during this critical phase. However, we should start focusing now on the long and difficult road which lies ahead following a Middle East conference. Our second task – reconstruction and development – will be of great significance then. For the EU has considerable expertise and experience in these areas. The EU and its member states are already the biggest donors of financial and humanitarian aid in the region, having contributed more than EUR 800 million in 2007. Following Hamas' election victory, the EU developed the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM). Since summer 2006 this mechanism has been used to pump more than EUR 494 million in direct aid into the Palestinian territories while bypassing Hamas. The electricity, water and energy supplied with these funds has ensured that many hundreds of thousands of people have at least the bare minimum to survive and preserved the Palestinian community from complete collapse. Since January 2006, the EU has also been helping to train and rebuild the Palestinian police force via its Police Mission. It is no exaggeration to say that without the substantial help of the EU, the forces for peace and reconciliation in Palestine would be fighting a losing battle. Europe's strength will be needed even more in the weeks and months ahead. Europe will have to clearly outline its contribution now if the necessary stabilizing impact is to be quickly established after an Israeli-Palestinian agreement and the Middle East conference scheduled for this autumn. I will therefore suggest to my EU colleagues at the Council of Foreign Ministers next Monday that an EU action plan for the Middle East be drawn up with a view to supporting and fostering the negotiation process between Israel and the Palestinians. The following measures should be included: We have to help the Palestinians to become less dependent on development aid again. This can only be achieved by strengthening the Palestinian private sector. This will, for example, involve the targeted promotion of small and medium-sized companies and the establishment of special economic zones. The EU and its member states have already developed some ideas. We should take them further in a focused manner. Modern and democratic security forces in Palestine can provide the Palestinian popu lation with the protection from crime and gangs they deserve and safeguard Israel from suicide bombers and terrorist threats. Through its EU-POLCOPPS mission, the EU is already playing a key role in building up the Palestinian police force. It will have to do much more to help train and equip the police force as well as to establish a strong judicial system. A well-trained population is the best guarantor of democracy and economic progress. The emigration of talented young people must be halted. The EU can provide students and universities with assistance and should also help improve schools. A new Palestinian state needs functioning and transparent state institutions. But time is of the essence. The EU therefore has to step up the efforts it has already begun on reforming state structures, including the development of democratic parties. Stability in the Middle East is crucial to Europe's security. And for us Germans, the security and welfare of Israel will remain a defining element and central aim of our foreign policy. Both, security for Israel and a viable Palestine, are possible. To achieve this goal, we have to act now and put all our political energy into making the Middle East conference a success and into shaping the post-conference period. We can succeed if we take advantage of the possibilities the Quartet has to offer and if Europeans and Americans continue to work side-by-side. Source: Handelsblatt, 15 October 2007 October 15, 2007
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