EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Tuesday’s vote at the United Nations Security Council regarding the Middle East Peace Process ‘’underlines once again the urgency of resuming meaningful negotiations between the parties and the need for the international community to focus on concrete achievements to reach an agreement that ends all claims and fulfills the aspirations of both parties.’’
She made the statement after the UN Security Council rejected a controversial Palestinian resolution calling for an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the establishment of a Palestinian state by late 2017.
There were eight votes in favor, including France, Russia and China, two against and five abstentions, among them Britain. Australia joined the United States in voting against the measure. The United States is one of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council.
In her statement, Mogherini said: ‘’Our common aim is to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition.’’
‘’The European Union believes that setting clear parameters for the negotiations is key for their success. They should be defined on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the Madrid principles including land for peace, the Roadmap and the agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative.’’
She added: ‘’The EU renews its call for both parties to resume negotiations urgently and to refrain from any action further undermining the viability of the two-state solution. The European Union will promote and support now more than ever efforts to achieve a lasting peace based on this two-state vision together with international partners, including in the region.’’
‘’The EU reiterates the strategic importance of the Arab Peace Initiative for all parties and is committed to help advance the peace process with the countries in the region,’’ Mogherini continued.
The final resolution that was brought to the UN Security Council was an amended and more hardline version of a motion submitted on 17 December. Both versions call for a 12-month deadline on peace negotiations and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory by the end of 2017. The latest version reportedly toughened up language on Jerusalem, refugees and settlements.
The United States had already clarified that it would not support the resolution and use its veto if necessary. Also prior to the vote, UK Ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant cited particularly problematic “language on time scales, new language on refugees” to conclude “we would have some difficulties” in supporting the resolution.
A minimum of nine votes are required for a motion to be adopted. Reports suggest that the Palestinians had calculated on receiving the requisite votes but that Nigeria was persuaded to abstain at the last minute.
In a short statement, Israel Nitzan from the Israeli mission to the UN commented that the Palestinians must understand “the way to achieve statehood is not paved with provocations.”
According to Ynet news, Israeli officials were disappointed by France’s support for the Palestinian motion.
Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour said that Palestinian leaders will meet today “and will decide on next steps.” Reports suggest they may look to join international organisations and conventions to sanction Israel. Such action would be considered a serious diplomatic escalation threatening Israel.