An initiative by David and Simone Susskiend sponsored by Beinita Ferrero- Waldner European Commissioner for External Relations.

On May 3rd and 4th 2007, Brussels with host an exceptional meeting of more than 30 leading Israeli and Palestinian personalities, as well as eminent representatives of the international political and civil societies.

The following themes will be discussed in three sessions:

1- How to give a new momentum to the Israeli- Palestinian peace process, taking into account the extremely delicate context in which the two societies live?

2- What is the potential impact of the situation in the region (i.a the revival of the Arab League Initiative) on the peace process?

3- Which role could the European Union play in this context?

At the end of their deliberations the participants will present their recommendations to the representatives of the European Union (European Commission, German Presidency, European Council).

The meeting will take place behind closed doors.

We are glad to invite you to the press conference which will be held in the presence of all participants on Friday May 4th at 12:30 PM at the Centre Brochette 34, Rue Froissart 1040 Brussels

Contact persons:

Evelyne Prawidlo : +32 477 441625
prawidlo@club-internet.fr
Simone Susskind : +32 475 733238
Simone.susskind@museuro.org

Enclosed: program of the conference and list of participants

Brussels Conference - Towards a Renewed Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: The Role of Europe - Summary and Recommendations

Israelis, Palestinians and international participants gathered in Brussels because they believe the E.U. has an important role to play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We heard from some that the E.U. needs to be more informed about the region in a real and credible way directly from the parties.

The group that met here sees the E.U. as a partner in resolving the conflict and in doing what the local parties cannot do.

Regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine, there was a strong recognition of the ongoing suffering in the region and the urgent need for action.

Many commented however how there were fewer recriminations between the sides in fora such as this meeting in comparison with the past.

Participants emphasized there are now large constituencies for peace among the publics of both sides; however, there is a lack of leadership and of action that is creating a very dire circumstance.

All this adds up to the need for an initiative by the international community. Europe is increasingly well placed to act in such an environment.

The conditions are right for Europe to bring the parties to the negotiation table for a successful completion of talks for a two-state solution.

The overarching idea for the role of E.U. is as a catalyzer.

But, first and foremost, there was a call on the E.U. to restate and act according to its principles, especially regarding democratically elected governments and putting an end to occupation, and it should use incentives and disincentives to carry out this position.

In that light, participants identified several political parameters that can serve as tools for this objective:

- The Arab Peace Initiative can serve as a framework for moving forward alongside several “criteria” such as the Clinton Parameters, the Taba talks and the Geneva accord.

- A suggested mechanism for such a process is for Europe to engage in direct discussion between the sides, including the Arab Peace Initiative.

- There was also a strong suggestion for the E.U. to create a permanent mechanism composed of the Quartet, any Arab country willing to participate, including the Arab Quartet, and, of course, Israel and Palestine. This mechanism should also have a clear timetable for action.

- Another suggestion was for the E.U. to convene an international conference, along the lines of the Madrid Conference of 1991, based on the Arab Peace Initiative.

- More urgently, there were also calls for the E.U. to end the political and economic boycott of the Palestinian government and the Palestinian people and for a mutual and comprehensive ceasefire in the West Bank and Gaza, and a monitoring role for the E.U.

- There is also a need for an immediate improvement in the living conditions of the Palestinian people and a need for new economic paradigms and methodologies to address these issues alongside political progress.

- Participants called on the E.U. to reinforce the legitimate and elected leadership on both sides.

- Another proposal concerned the development of a series of working groups to examine aspects of future relations between Israel and Palestine such as freedom of movement of people, capital and goods, and environmental and cultural issues. Participants called on the E.U. to organize and host such groups.

- The importance of engaging publics on both sides, especially those currently outside the peace camps, was emphasized in order to create the conditions for forward movement and an end to occupation. Specific ideas that involve civil society and the media include a database of information for journalists to decrease “rhetorical reporting”, an increased exposure to each other’s press coverage, and enhancement of projects for youth, including, for example, through the development of joint youth parliaments.

- In that light, participants called on the E.U. to strengthen and empower the peace camps and civil society on both sides.

- Finally, participants put forward the idea of an advocacy group, composed of Israelis, Palestinians, internationals, and including Palestinian citizens of Israel, “on the ground” in Brussels with a focus on working European institutions towards the above objectives.