Buzek: “Peace talks must resume as soon as possible. The region needs them. The people need them.”

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Brussels, 14 March 2010

Buzek concludes visit to Jordan for EMPA plenary session

Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament is concluding his weekend long visit to Amman, Jordan, for the plenary session of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. Today the President met with the King of Jordan Abdullah II.

Buzek’s visit to the region is part of the European Union’s effort to give momentum to peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and precedes next week’s visit by HR/VP Catherine Ashton.

During the Parliamentary Assembly Jerzy Buzek speaking on behalf of the European Parliament urged the need to resume peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians as soon as possible.

In Amman President Buzek said:" There is no alternative to peace talks. Both sides must get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. The European Parliament strongly supports a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. In order to achieve this long awaited goal of lasting peace in the region Europe is ready to play its part.

Crucial to the goal of peace is for the Israeli government to freeze all settlements. The European Parliament urges it to do so. The other is the reconciliation between the Palestinian factions, which we strongly support".

President Buzek met earlier today with Abdullah II the King of Jordan. During the meeting both leaders discussed the possibility of countries such as Jordan having a positive influence of finding a solution to the current deadlock in negotiations. They also touched on the need of pursuing political, social and economic reforms in Jordan. President Buzek welcomed the King’s commitment in these vital areas.

President Buzek commented after his meeting with King Abdullah II: “It is of crucial importance for Jordan to advance on the path of reforms. This will be for the benefit of Jordan, its citizens and will help strengthen EU-Jordanian relations”.

President Buzek earlier expressed his disappointment with the 48 hour closure of the West Bank. Today he added: “Strengthening relations between Israel and the European Union depends on the latter’s constructive attitude in the peace talks”.

President Buzek also expressed his satisfaction that the Parliamentary Assembly took the decision to establish a permanent secretariat in Brussels which will be equipped with staff and an operational budget.

Background

President Jerzy Buzek met at the end of February in Brussels with the Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and the President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas. During those meetings he presented the position of the European Parliament directly to both sides of the conflict.