EU foreign ministers discuss Middle East, Iraq and Iran

"The EU Foreign Ministers reviewed last Friday's developments in the Middle East peace process and reaffirmed the importance of the Quartet and the road map". This was stated by the Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, president of the Council of Ministers, at a press conference on Friday night, following the first day of discussions of the six-monthly Gymnich meeting.

A Gymnich meeting is one where foreign ministers meet informally outside the normal meetings of the Council of Ministers, the so-called General Affairs Council, to discuss important matters related to the EU's external relations.

The 'road map' which was being followed by the Quartet (EU, US, Russia and the UN) who originally designed it, is the most rational way towards achieving a solution of the Middle East problem that would bring justice to all the peoples of the region especially the Palestinians.

But that effort has been jeopardised for many months now and the fact that the US is in election mode while Russia is preoccupied with the struggle against Chechen terrorism do not help matters either.

Mr Bot added that the EU foreign ministers also reaffirmed their support in principle to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan, provided it concurs with the EU's five known conditions.

According to Minister Bot, the EU expressed its deep concern about the Israeli government's decision to expand settlements on the West Bank. The EU has objected to the policy of Jewish settlements on Arab territory since they were first started in the late Seventies.

"Viability of the withdrawal initiative requires changes in the field of economy, security and governance", said the minister.

Referring to extensive talks he had with his Israeli counterpart, Mr Shalom, Minister Bot expressed satisfaction that the Israeli authorities not only recognise that EU involvement is needed, but also that this would be in the interest of Israel. "A failed state is in nobody's interest", Mr Bot said.

He stated that the EU should take joint action, but pointed out that close co-operation is needed also between the Israeli authorities and the Palestinians.

Speaking about Iraq, another issue addressed by the EU Foreign Ministers, Mr Bot said that the exploratory mission that visited Iraq recently made a number of suggestions for help from the EU side.

The minister noted a clear wish in Iraq to see the EU represented there and pointed out that, if the EU can be of assistance, it should take up that role. He specified that the EU is committed to helping Iraq with the electoral process as well as with a training programme aimed at setting up an effective administration, police force and border patrol.

The EU is also committed to contributing to the UN protection force. "A few millions are lacking to establish this protection force and I appealed to all my colleagues to fill the gap", he said. Will they take the minister's suggestion?