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Presidency Conclusions
(Extracts)
The European Council has decided on a .Common Strategy of the European Union on the Mediterranean region . The Common Strategy will guide the policies and activities of the Union in developing the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership established by the Barcelona Declaration and its subsequent acquis. both in bilateral and regional components, as well as the consolidation of peace, stability and security in the Middle East following a comprehensive peace settlement. It thus expresses the Union's determination to actively pursue a coherent policy towards this region. The Union will continue supporting the efforts of the parties to conclude implement peace agreements in the Middle East.
Middle East Peace Process
The European Council considers that a real opportunity exists to attain a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, based on the principles established within the framework of Madrid, Oslo and subsequent agreement and in accordance with relevant UN Resolutions. .
The European Council appeals to Prime Minister Barak and to President Ararat to intensify their efforts with a view to concluding, within the agreed time-frame, a comprehensive agreement addressing all Permanent Status issues, thus bringing the conflict to an end and paying the way to reconciliation.
In this endeavour the personal engagement of the leaders of Israel and of the Palestinian Authority and their continued mutual confidence have the utmost importance. The European Council therefore Stresses the need for full implementation of agreements entered into, such as the third further redeployment. and recalls the Council Declaration of 22 May.
The European Council also recalls its declaration 25 March 1999 in Berlin. It is particularly important in the discussion of Permanent Status issues now taking place that the viability of any resulting Palestinian State is fully taken into account.
At Helsinki the European Council welcomed the courageous decision of the late President Hafez al-Assad and Prime Minister Ehud Barak to resume Israeli-Syrian negotiations. The European Council urges the new Syrian leadership and the Israeli Government to pursue the strategic choice of peace.
The European Council welcomes the recent Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in accordance with Resolution 425 and the fact that it has satisfied the conditions laid down by the UN Secretary-General in his report of 22 May 2000. It appeals to all parties involved to cooperate with the UN and UNIFIL and to refrain from acts and declarations that might imperil their endeavours.
The European Council invites the Council to examine, on the basis of proposals from the Secretary-General/ High Representative. assisted by the Special Envoy, and the Commission, how the European Union can assist and contribute to Lebanon's efforts towards reconciliation and rehabilitation.
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