The conflict between Israel and
Palestinians - Joint policy statement by Norway and Spain
7. June
2006
For more than a decade, the Governments of
Norway and Spain have been
involved in efforts to facilitate the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. It is
a foreign policy priority for both countries to contribute to a viable
two-state solution based on a negotiated agreement. We are now deeply concerned
about the current situation in the West Bank and Gaza. There is a risk of great human suffering
and economic decline, which would further worsen the Palestinians’ living
conditions. In this situation both governments have expressed their intention
to maintain their assistance to the Palestinian people. Institutional decay would make it difficult
for the Palestinian National Authority and providers of humanitarian assistance
to operate properly. Internal differences in Palestinian society are on the
rise and leading to increasing lawlessness in the territory. This situation
also has implications for the stability of the whole region and calls for
constructive initiatives.
We welcome President Abbas’ efforts to mobilise
Palestinian support for resolving the conflict peacefully, through direct negotiations
with Israel.
His efforts to bring about national consensus for this purpose should gain
broad international support. The Palestinian Government should take steps
immediately towards complying with the demands put forward by the Quartet to
renounce violence, recognise the state of Israel and accept previously
concluded agreements. At the same time, we expect Israel to respect previously
concluded agreements, key UN resolutions and demands from the international
community to stop annexing Palestinian land, cease illegal settlement
activities and stop work on the separation wall.
At this juncture, our two countries have identified
the following common areas for closer cooperation.
·
- Norway
and Spain support President Abbas’ proposal to develop a national dialogue
between Palestinian factions.
·- Norway
and Spain will financially support a funding mechanism administered by the
President’s Office to finance Palestinian missions abroad.
- Norway
and Spain will actively support dialogue between the parties, especially with
the objective to achieve a fair and lasting peace. The two governments recall
their past contributions to the peace process and show their readiness to actively
support the scenario of future negotiations in coordination with the parties
and the members of the Quartet.
·- Norway
and Spain both have a significant involvement in the Palestinian energy sector.
We will explore ways and means to further strengthen our involvement
financially and technically and assist in the efforts to enhance Palestinian
participation in regional energy cooperation.
·- Norway
and Spain will financially support a broad based assessment of water-related
environmental problems in the West Bank. We will together consult with the
parties on how this assessment could be undertaken, its terms of reference and
the possible involvement of UNEP in this work.
- Norway
and Spain will seek close cooperation with involved parties in order to
strengthen regional initiatives related to water issues.
