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Councils

MADRID COUNCIL - How do we build upon the social democratic vision for a more secure world?

07-08 February 2004


RESOLUTION ON THE MIDDLE EAST

The Council of the Socialist International meeting in Madrid on 7-8 February 2004, recalling the decisions of the recent SI Congress in Sao Paulo on the Middle East:

Urges both parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to abstain from all use of violence and implement a ceasefire.

Reiterates the demand for an immediate resumption of negotiations based on the roadmap, which can lead to a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with the possibility of land swaps, a capital for both states in Jerusalem and a just solution to the refugee problem.

Welcomes all initiatives to dismantle settlements on the way to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Requests more involvement and incentives from the international community, including the possibility of a closer association of Israel and Palestine with the EU as a result of the peace process, and encourages new ideas and practical measures for ways in which the EU and NATO could contribute to peace, development and cooperation in the region.

Calls upon the Chair of the SI Middle East Committee to explore practical ways to renew the peace process, including high-level missions to the area, and to report to the Socialist International within one month.