The European Union sought to defuse tension with Washington over the Middle East today, saying Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip could be a "significant step" on the road to peace.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen
In a statement after a meeting of foreign ministers in Tullamore, Co Offaly, the EU emphasised what it sees as positive aspects of the unilateral Israeli plan, endorsed by US President George W. Bush this week to the anger of Palestinians.
"The European Union welcomes the prospect of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," the statement said. "The European Council has stated that such a withdrawal could represent a significant step towards the implementation of the 'road map', provided that it is carried out in accordance with certain conditions."
The road map is a peace plan endorsed by the Middle East Quartet of the United States, the EU, the United Nations and Russia. The EU said it concurred with Mr Bush that negotiations on a lasting peace in the region must be agreed between the Israelis and Palestinians themselves "and must not be prejudged".
While restating its previous commitments to a two-state solution to the conflict and the need for full agreement if Israel's 1967 borders are to be altered, the EU made no mention of any disagreement with Washington.
"The European Union notes that President Bush is in agreement with the EU that secure and recognised borders should emerge from negotiations between the parties," it said.
Israel's plan, which envisages its withdrawal from Gaza while holding on to land in the West Bank, received a tepid response in Europe when it was announced on Wednesday.
EU ministers have criticised it during their two-day meeting in Tullamore, but now appear to have decided to work with it rather than reject it. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen sharpened his tone yesterday after an initially polite response to US President George W. Bush's policy shift, telling Israel it must make peace with its "enemies", the Palestinians, rather than friends in Washington.
"It remains the case that Israel has to make peace with its enemies, not its friends. Israel and the United States are not in conflict," he said. "Let's be clear: the discussions between the United States and Israel is no substitute for the direct negotiations that have to take place...between Palestinians and Israelis."
Some ministers suggested Mr Bush had sent mixed messages during his White House news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Wednesday but had since clarified his position, adopting a more conciliatory tone.
EU Commissioner Chris Patten said the Americans appeared to have shifted ground. "(Bush) is still committed to the road map and he still recognises that there can only be peace - long-term sustainable peace - if there is a negotiated settlement," he said. "Now, that's not entirely what was coming out from Washington earlier in the week."
EU foreign policy chief Mr Javier Solana said the Quartet would meet in early May to discuss how to move the peace process forward. Officials said the meeting would most likely be on May 4th in New York and not in Berlin on April 28th as had been mooted.
The ministers also discussed prospects for agreeing a new United Nations resolution that would boost the UN's role in Iraq and support of an interim Iraqi government in Baghdad. Yesterday Mr Cowen condemned recent hostage takings in Iraq and told reporters that the EU "looked forward" to a "growing role" for the UN in Iraq.
After their morning talks, the EU foreign ministers were to meet with their counterparts from 10 Asian nations, including China and Japan, to discuss closer economic and political ties.