Richard believes Britain and the European Union must do more to hold Israel accountable to international law, support a Palestinian reconciliation agreement and, if appropriate, provide international troops to fulfil UN responsibilities to protect Palestinians.
Richard said: "President Abbas's description of an Islamic peace initiative, holding out the prospect of peace between Israel and 57 Islamic states, provides a direct challenge to Europe to shift its own policy, in order to avoid worldwide divisions becoming entrenched in the quest for Middle East peace.
"I now question whether the European boycott against Hamas has been counterproductive . Our policy must change in response to the Egyptian peace initiative and UN resolutions. "
Richard also thinks there are several measures Britain can take to help the people of Gaza.
He said: "Britain can play a crucial role in ending the embargo against Gaza by reviewing its policy towards Hamas in the light of the Egyptian peace initiative. We should also be seeking to upgrade the existing EU border mission at Gaza and playing a crucial role in the UN Security Council in response to attacks against civilians in the Gaza conflict."
Ahead of President Abass's planned meeting with Gordon Brown, Richard added: "Britain and our European allies must listen to the Palestinian President's call to uphold Israeli accountability within the United Nations or we ourselves become accountable for our failure to do so."
-
For more on Mahmoud Abbas's speech to the European Parliament please visit http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/030-48165-033-02-06-903-20090203IPR48164-02-02-2009-2009-true/default_en.htm
more information
Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP