EU and the US should address "Palestinians' legitimate demand", MEPs say

The EU and US should step up their cooperation to promote peace and democracy, trade, investment, growth and job creation. This includes pushing for a resumption of talks between Israel and the Palestinians and supporting emerging democracies in North Africa, say MEPs in a resolution passed on Thursday, ahead of the EU-US summit to be held in Washington on 28 November.

MEPs call on the EU and the US to support emerging democracies in North Africa, push for a resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and "address the legitimate demand of the Palestinians to be represented as a state at the United Nations as a result of negotiations within the UN framework".

Responding to the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report on Iran, Parliament says that the EU and the US should maintain strong pressure on Iran, using all political, diplomatic and economic means, including sanctions, to deter and contain the threats that it poses to international security.

Climate change, Passenger Name Records, trade

On climate change issues, MEPs want to see an ambitious US commitment to achieving progress at the forthcoming Durban conference, and call on the US Senate not to adopt a bill that calls for a ban on US airlines taking part in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Parliament welcomes the opening in March 2011 of negotiations on the EU-US agreement on personal data protection, and emphasises that the proposed EU-US Passenger Name Record Agreement should be consistent with the requirements set out in Parliament's previous resolutions.

Finally, the resolution calls on EU and the US to launch a joint transatlantic initiative for jobs and growth, including a roadmap for promoting trade and investment, and to set up an early-warning mechanism to detect and deter protectionism in bilateral relations. MEPs stress the US should refrain from introducing any "Buy American" requirements for public procurement.

At the next EU-US summit on 28 November, the EU will be represented by European Council President Van Rompuy, European Commission President Barroso and foreign affairs High Representative Ashton. In their meeting with US President Obama, discussions will focus on global economic issues, bilateral relations and opportunities to promote growth and jobs, as well as foreign policy issues.

Procedure: Motions for resolutions