THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The current impasse in the Middle East peace process, fuelled by the seemingly interminable acts of reprisals, requires the urgent attention of the international community. The present situation is characterised by an increasingly manifest loss of confidence in the peace process, in turn casting doubts on the commitment to engage in sincere efforts based on a spirit of compromise. Consequently, a fresh impetus and some innovative thinking are clearly called for to break the deadlock.

For this to have the chance to yield positive results, the Maltese Government reiterates its firm belief that an essential prerequisite would be the exercise of maximum restraint both with regard to the carrying out of violent acts as well as to the pronouncement of statements which, at end of the day, only serve to harden feelings and undermine prospects of dialogue. Moreover, any strategy designed to weaken the credibility of the players involved is bound to be detrimental to the long term interests of the region.

The Maltese Government hopes that a calmer atmosphere would enable international efforts to focus better on the issues at stake. In this context, a greater co-ordination and synergy between positions is also desirable at this delicate juncture. The Maltese Government augurs that the current discussions in the framework of the EU’s Gymnich Council lead to concrete proposals aimed at re-establishing political dialogue and restoring mutual confidence between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Maltese Government believes that any initiative undertaken must have at its basis the recognition of the right of the Palestinians to their state, as well as of Israel to its security.