Israel: European UNSC Members Should Uphold Quartet Plan

21 December 2011

Israel calls on European UNSC members to uphold Quartet plan

(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)

Israel calls on the European members of the UN Security Council to support the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians under the Quartet plan, adopted by Israel despite its rejection by the PA. The European UNSC members must adhere to the wording of the Quartet plan and refrain from giving it interpretations that contradict both the letter and the spirit of the original text. This misreading only adds obstacles on the path towards renewing peace negotiations. Interfering with Israel's domestic affairs, including on issues which are to be solved within the framework of direct talks, does not enhance the status they wish to be granted.

Moreover, Israel suggests that the European UNSC members focus on the international agenda rather than turn upside down the fitting priorities of the international community. In Security Council discussions they should have concentrated on peacemaking in blood-shedding hotspots such as Syria, on promoting democracy and moderation in Arab countries aspiring to freedom, and on defusing the global danger embodied in the Iranian nuclear race. If, instead of contributing to stability in the Middle East through these steps, they invest their efforts in inappropriate bickering with the one country where the independent law and justice system can handle lawbreakers of all kinds, they are bound to lose their credibility and make themselves irrelevant.

The European UNSC members have chosen to do what is easy and unnecessary, rather than muster their courage and do that which is difficult and necessary.

Patricia Deen

Cultural and Public Affairs

Embassy of Israel in Wellington

ENDS

© Scoop Media