The European Economic Community (EEC) reiterated today its commitment to its Venice declaration of June, 1980 which called for the association of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the Middle East peace process and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Ambassador Edmonde Dever, of Belgium, speaking on behalf of the EEC, declared during the General Assembly’s debate on the Palestinian question that the governments of the EEC member states believe that all countries in the Middle East have the right to live in peace. But, she added, at the same time they also believe the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination. She said the Palestinian problem “is more than a problem of refugees.”
Ms. Dever expressed the EEC’s concern over the current situation in the area, particularly the recent events on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. She said Israel’s policy of creating settlements in those territories was a grave obstacle to peace in the region. She said the settlements are illegal and in violation of international law. She added that the EEC countries regretted any initiative that would change the status of Jerusalem.
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