Resolution on the Middle East

A. Profoundly shocked by the escalating human tragedy experienced by the Israeli and Palestinian peoples

B. Convinced that only a return to the negotiating table will re-open the perspective of two States, Israel and Palestine, existing next to each other in peace and security

C. Stressing the validity of the Mitchell and Tenet proposals;

1. Considers it of the highest importance for both parties to move immediately to a meaningful cease-fire and asks all concerned to work towards that end

2. Condems all terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians as well any tacit or explicit encouragement of those attacks and demands that the Palestinian authorities make every effort to prevent such acts from taking place and bring those responsable to justice

3. Urges both sides to comply with UNSC Resolution 1402 calling for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction

4. Requires the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from re-occupied Palestinian territory and the removal of restrictions imposed upon Mr Arafat, the Palestinian's elected leader

5. Proposes that the EU, USA and the Russian Federation with the UN Security Council and on the basis of the relevant UNSC Resolutions, undertake a joint effort with a view to re-starting the negotiating process, cooperating with those States in the region willing to participate in this endeavour;

6. Strongly condemns recent acts of anti-Semitism committed on EU territory, such as those against Jewish synagogues, schools and cemeteries