- AS DELIVERED -

Thank you, President. I want to express appreciation for the briefing earlier today from the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and acknowledge the presence of Minister Malki here, and regret the fact that the other side has left the room and is not listening to this debate.

President, I speak on behalf of the EU and its 27 Member States. The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The European Union and its Member States are deeply concerned by the increasing violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which are leading to appalling numbers of Israeli and Palestinian victims, including children.

We continue to call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to de-escalate the situation and to refrain from actions that will increase tension. We commend the efforts of the US, Jordan, Egypt and UNSCO to de-escalate and support commitments taken by the parties in Aqaba and Sharm el Sheikh. All parties should observe in good faith these commitments. This upsurge in violence followed days of tension and clashes at the Holy Sites. The EU condemns the violent incidents which have happened in the Holy Sites, recalls that use of force must be proportional and calls for upholding the status quo put in place in 1967 for the Temple Mount / al‑Haram al-Sharif in line with previous understandings and with respect to Jordan's special role. Underlining the necessity to respect the status quo also for the Christian holy sites, which are under increasing pressure, the EU reiterates the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence of all three monotheistic religions.

The EU condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, and the territories of Lebanon and Syria. We firmly condemn recent terror attacks in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as all forms of terrorism, and deplore the tragic loss of lives, including that of European citizens. We remain committed to Israel’s security and the prevention of and fight against terrorism and violent extremism. There must be an immediate end to terror attacks, which should be condemned by everyone, and to practices that support them.

In line with the EU’s commitment to implement UNSCR 2334 and recalling that settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two state solution impossible, the EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context. We also condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties. Israel must stop settlement expansion and legalisation, prevent settler violence, and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. The EU will not recognise changes to the 1967 lines, unless agreed by the parties. Military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip requires further easing of restrictions, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, based on the two‑state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states. It is vital to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution. Only a negotiated agreement offers a chance of security and peace for all.

On 13 February, the High Representative/Vice President, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal and Arab League Secretary-General Aboul Gheit agreed to explore ways to revive and safeguard the prospect of the two-State solution and to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. The EU reaffirmed its proposal of an unprecedented package of economic, political and security support in the context of a final status agreement as endorsed in the Council conclusions of December 2013. In this effort, we look forward to working closely with other Arab and international partners.

The EU will continue to call upon the Palestinian Authority to hold free, transparent, and inclusive national elections without further delay.

It urges all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process, to adhere to previous agreements, renounce violence and terrorism, and recognise Israel’s right to exist and to commit to democratic principles, including the rule of law. Democratic Palestinian institutions based on respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital for the Palestinian people, and, ultimately, for the two-state solution.

Palestinian civil society must be allowed by all parties to carry out its important task freely, while freedom of expression must be upheld. The EU is proud of its continued support to civil society that contributes to peace efforts and confidence building between Israelis and Palestinians. We call on Israel to refrain from any action that would prevent these organisations from continuing their critical human rights, humanitarian and development work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Anti-terrorism legislation should not be used to undermine civil society and its valuable work and contributions to the pursuit of accountability.

In preparation for the next Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in Brussels on 3-4 May, the EU calls for implementation of the commitments made at the previous meetings.

Until there is a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the refugee issue in accordance with international law, UNRWA remains crucial for providing the necessary protection and essential services for Palestine refugees, and supporting peace and stability in the region. The EU will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operations, including in East Jerusalem.

The EU will closely monitor developments and their implications on the ground, and remains ready to contribute further to the protection and the viability of the two‑state solution.

Mr President,

One word on Syria. 

15 March 2023 marked the twelfth anniversary since peaceful protests began throughout Syria. Peaceful protests that were brutally repressed by the Assad regime, provoking a conflict, which continues to this day.

Adding to this tragedy, on 6 February 2023, northern Syria and Türkiye were struck by devastating earthquakes, further exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people in the region. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, co-hosted an international donors’ conference on 20 March, in Brussels to support the people in Türkiye and Syria affected by the earthquakes. EUR 950 million in grants were pledged for Syria. Following the earthquake, the European Union has allocated EUR 100 million, out of which EUR 75 million in EU humanitarian assistance. The emergency response includes the distribution of food, tents, blankets and medical assistance.

The European Union and its Member States are the largest donor and have provided EUR 27.4 billion to meet the needs arising from the Syrian crisis since 2011, including over EUR 4.8 billion at the sixth Brussels Conference.

Syria will continue to be a high priority for us. We will host a seventh Brussels conference on the Future of Syria and the Region on 15 June 2023, preceded by a Day of Dialogue with Civil Society on 14 June, in order both to focus international pressure for a political solution to the conflict, and to generate pledges of humanitarian support for Syria and in support of Syrian refugees and their host communities in the region.  We are looking forward to welcoming the international community to the seventh Brussels conference and call on your unrelenting generosity and continued support.

The European Union remains persuaded that the only path to sustainable peace for Syria is a political solution in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and in line with the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. After more than a decade of conflict, it remains essential that the international community continue to pursue a sustainable and comprehensible political solution in Syria. The EU stands firm in its commitment towards this goal, supporting the continuous efforts of UN Special Envoy Pedersen to advance on all aspects of UNSCR 2254, including his “steps‑for‑steps” approach in furthering the political process and resuming the work of the Constitutional Committee. We reiterate again that no normalisation, lifting of sanctions or reconstruction will be possible until the Syrian regime engages in a credible sustainable and inclusive political transition, in the framework of UNSCR 2254. In light of the recent earthquakes, the EU notes the humanitarian exemptions in place for UN sanctions within the framework of UNSCR 2664.

Accountability and justice for victims is essential for a stable, peaceful Syria. All parties responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights including sexual and gender-based violence, must be held accountable. We reiterate our call to have the situation in Syria referred to the International Criminal Court.

In the absence of international processes for justice, the prosecution of war crimes and other serious crimes under national jurisdiction where possible, now under way in several EU Member States, represents a crucial contribution towards securing justice, as does the Dutch‑Canadian initiative to hold Syria to account for breaching the UN Convention Against Torture. We will continue to support efforts to gather evidence with a view to future legal action, including by the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the work of the Commission of Inquiry.

The European Union commends Syria’s neighbouring countries for hosting large numbers of refugees for more than a decade. We recall that the underlying causes of the refugee and displacement crisis must be addressed under UNSCR 2254. The EU continues to warn against any further displacements in any part of Syria, as well as against the potential exploitation of such displacements for the purpose of social and demographic engineering. Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries are still unable to go back home as the conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary return, in line with the parameters defined by UNHCR and in accordance with international law, are not fulfilled. It is the responsibility of the Syrian regime to remove these obstacles and we will only be in a position to support returns once these conditions are satisfied.

As we have reiterated numerous times, the Syrian regime must fully cooperate with the OPCW and its investigations on the use of chemical weapons in the conflict, including the attack in Douma, as well as on the completion of the dismantling of its chemical weapons programme. The EU, as a member of the International Partnership against impunity for the use of chemical weapons, will continue to work towards ensuring full accountability.

Mr President,

The European has welcomed the unanimous adoption of UNSC Resolution 2672, mandating the continuation of UN cross-border assistance to Syria. Uninterrupted delivery of UN cross-border humanitarian assistance remains vital for Syrians living in north-west Syria and the EU will continue to advocate for all parties to depoliticise and allow unimpeded and continued delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need. The EU noted the UN brokered deal to secure the opening of additional border crossings in the aftermath of the February earthquakes, and we call for the continued use of all possible measures that secure the delivery of aid to all those in need in Syria.

Civilians must be protected at all times. The European Union echoes the calls made by the Security Council for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire. Türkiye’s security concerns stemming from northern Syria need to be addressed through political and diplomatic means, and in full respect for international humanitarian law.

Early recovery projects are important to support resilience, community capacity-building and self-reliance of the Syrian people and for their future. EU-funded projects are intended and designed for those in genuine need and to strengthen the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the humanitarian response. The EU will not fund early recovery efforts that could support social and demographic engineering.

As reiterated in the interactive Dialogue on Missing Persons on 28 March 2023 with the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Union supports the establishment (through the General Assembly at the earliest opportunity) of an independent mechanism to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and to provide adequate support to victims, families and survivors of those missing. The objective of this endeavour is humanitarian: to alleviate the pain and suffering of families whose lives have been in suspense for all the time that their loved ones have been missing. The EU welcomes the ongoing work of the other actors on this issue, including Syrian civil society, the ICMP, ICRC and the OHCHR and emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation and is looking forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming discussions to establish the new mechanism.

Finally, let me reiterate again: the EU remains committed to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Syrian state, and will continue to call on all parties to the conflict, particularly the Syrian regime and its allies, to advance a credible sustainable and inclusive political solution based on the full and comprehensive implementation of UNSCR 2254 as the only route to sustainable peace in Syria and the way for Syria to become once again the united, sovereign, prosperous and free country we all want to see.

I thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.