Arab Inter-parliamentary Union

Final Declaration of The Meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Speakers of Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments
( Cairo , 12 April 2002 )

The Contact Group of the Conference of Euro-Mediterranean Presidents of Parliament from Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Tunisia, the European Parliament, and the Arab Parliamentary Union and with the presence of the President of the French National Assembly, in its extraordinary meeting held at the Egyptian People's Assembly Headquarters in Cairo on 12-4-2002,

1) Affirms items 7and 8 of the Final Declaration of the Third Conference of Speakers of Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments held in Athens on 17 February 2002, spelling out the regret of Euro-Mediterranean Speakers regarding failure to achieve substantial progress in the Middle east peace process, and appeal to the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships to show maximum degree of self restraint, to return to the negotiating table and to relaunch dialogue.

2) Reaffirms- in compliance with the Athens' Final Declaration- that just and durable solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict should be based on the land- for- peace formula and the implementation of Security Council resolutions no. 242 and 338, and also on an active negotiating process that takes account of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the setting up of an independent state, as well as Israel's right to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders. It praises the conclusions of the recent Arab League Summit in Beirut as will as, as well as efforts by the other organization, mainly the United Nations and European Union.

3) Emphasizes statements quoted in the Athens declaration inclusive of the denunciation of the vicious circle of violence that broke out lately in the Middle East region, which augurs the likelihood of a catastrophe with the drastic suffering it involves. It stresses the fact that the impending danger of destabilizing the region has become imminent. It points out to the consequences of the appalling situation embodied in cutting off all channels of communication between the two peoples and the collapse of confidence-building and mutual understanding among peace supporters on both sides.

4) The assembling Presidents of Parliament express regret for not holding the previously- agreed Sharm Al Sheikh Meeting that was to be attended also by the Presidents of the Israeli Knesset and the Palestinian Legislative Council, originally planned for the formulation of a draft declaration on peace that was to be addressed by the Israeli Speaker in Ramallah, due to the actual difficult situation.

5) The assembling Presidents of Parliament voice deep concern over the Israeli occupation of some Palestinian cities and villages and press for the necessity of executing Security Council resolutions no. 1397, 1402, and 1403 and the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah, and practically Chairman Arafat's headquarters.

6) They also condemn the military actions of occupation causing innocent victims among the Palestinian population.

7) The assembling Presidents of Parliament condemn all forms and kinds of terrorism and violence against innocent civilian victims among Israeli Population.

8) The assembling President reaffirm that National Parliaments and the European Parliament can play, through actions they adopt, an important role for the revitalization of the peace process and the safeguarding of a future peace agreement. They express their satisfaction over relevant initiatives and efforts of the National Parliaments and European Parliament as well as of other European Institutions.

9) The assembling Presidents of Parliament welcome the proposals to assist the parties, through international monitoring mechanism, to end the confrontation and to resume the political process leading to the convening of an International Conference.

10) The assembling Presidents of Parliament insist on the full respect of all the Holy sites of every religion, as in the case of the Nativity Church.

11) They emphasize the importance of the Euro Mediterranean Partnership for the promotion of peace, security and cooperation, and the holding of meetings, such as the upcoming ministerial in Valencia. Similarly they attach great importance at the upcoming Euro Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum in Bari.

12) The Contact Group is to remain seized of the matter through continued consultation in observance of ever-renewing developments and the adoption of adequate decisions accordingly.

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