The EU's failure to make progress in talks with Israel over implementing the Oslo "land for peace" agreement had exasperated the British Presidency, Council President Douglas Henderson told MEPs, who called for a fresh initiative to break the deadlock.
This should be based on persuading Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Territories, under the Oslo Agreement, so that progress could be made before May 4th, 1999, on the related issues of defining borders and the status of Jerusalem and Palestine, as foreseen in the Oslo agreement. MEPs are, in particular, looking for more active involvement by the EU in helping the Palestinian authority to be able to take effective measures to combat terrorism.
Indeed, MEPs heard Commissioner Marin acknowledge that outbreaks of violence, and the hardline attitudes of the Netanhyahu government over the past 18 months, had thrown EU aid programmes for the region into chaos. A brand new airport built with some Ecu 15 million of EU aid could not operate because it had been refused permission to open by the Israeli authorities. "It has been hell for the last 18 months," commented Commissioner Marin.
Reporting on a visit to the region, Mary Banotti (Dublin, EPP), told the House that a new hospital, once again built with EU financial assistance, also remained closed because there were insufficient funds to pay the running costs and doctors, yet there was a desperate need for health facilities.
A special report, drawn up by MEPs investigating the administration of the EU Ecu 750 million assistance programme, reveals poor controls on spending, managerial inconsistencies on the part of the Palestinian authority and strong suspicions of fraud. And the Commission did not escape criticism.
John Tomlinson (UK, PES) complained about inadequate reporting to Parliament, and a defensive and unhelpful attitude on the part of one Commission official. MEPs want to see much stricter controls and more transparency in the management of future aid programmes.
MEPs do strongly support the continuation of aid to the Palestinians, to improve the working of the new administrative unit in the territory. They are also anxious to see transit routes opened up to enable people and goods to move between Gaza and the West Bank.
James Provan (UK, EPP) urged the development of a united EU front, in co-operation with neighbouring Arab countries, as a way out of the impasse. Recent national initiatives only created confrontation and confusion, hardening the opposition of the Israelis. The Cardiff Summit communique includes a call by the European Council on Israel to recognise the right of the Palestinians to exercise self-determination and at the same time a call on the Palestinians to reaffirm their commitment to the legitimate right of Israel to live within safe recognised borders.