MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the implementation of the Goldstone recommendations on Israel/Palestine
3.3.2010
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure
Charles Tannock on behalf of the ECR Group
B7‑0140/2010
European Parliament resolution on the implementation of the Goldstone recommendations on Israel/Palestine
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its urgent resolutions on human rights and democracy,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), in particular that of 14 January 2009 on the development of the UN Human Rights Council, including the role of the EU[1], as well as those of 16 March 2006 on the outcome of the negotiations on the Human Rights Council and on the 62nd session of the UN Commission on Human Rights[2], of 29 January 2004 on the relations between the European Union and the United Nations[3], of 9 June 2005 on the reform of the United Nations[4], of 29 September 2005 on the outcome of the United Nations World Summit of 14-16 September 2005[5], and of 7 May 2009 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2008 and the European Union's policy on the matter[6],
– having regard to the institutional changes brought about by the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon,
– having regard to Articles 2, 3(5), 18, 21, 27 and 47 of the Treaty on European Union, in the version thereof resulting from the Treaty of Lisbon,
– having regards to the Fourth Geneva Convention,
– having regard to international occupation and humanitarian law,
– having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas respect for, and the promotion and safeguarding of, the universality of human rights is part of the European Union's ethical and legal acquis and one of the cornerstones of European unity and integrity[7],
B. whereas the role of the European Union as a global player has increased over the last decades, and a new approach embodied in the new European External Action Service (EEAS) could be instrumental in helping the Union to act more effectively in order to meet global challenges in a coherent, consistent and efficient manner,
C. whereas the European Union lists Hamas as a terrorist organisation,
D. whereas international humanitarian law confers both rights and obligations on an occupying power; whereas an occupying power must (as far as possible) restore and maintain public order and safety,
1. Calls on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to work towards a strong EU common position on the follow-up to the Fact-Finding Mission report on the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel;
2. Stresses that respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties and under all circumstances is an essential precondition for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East;
3. Stresses the importance of minimising the suffering of the affected population and of ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian assistance;
4. Calls on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the EU Member States to monitor actively the progress made in the peace process in the region by means of consultation of EU external missions and NGOs in the field;
5. Stresses the importance of progression towards a two-state solution in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories;
6. Encourages continued talks between the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Government in order to produce a peaceful solution;
7. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and to regularly update Parliament with its findings;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Legislative Council.
- [1] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2009)0021.
- [2] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2006)0097.
- [3] Texts Adopted, P5_TA(2004)0037.
- [4] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2005)0237.
- [5] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2005)0362.
- [6] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2009)0385.
- [7] Articles 2, 3(5) and 6 of the TEU.