92002E0112

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0112/02

by Emilio Menéndez del Valle (PSE) to the Council

(22 January 2002)

Subject: Statement by the President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers concerning the destruction of Palestinian infrastrastructure in Israel

It has been reported in the press that, during his tour of the Middle East, the President-in-Office of the EU Council of Ministers, Mr Piqué, stated that the EU was carrying out an assessment of the damage caused by the Israeli army when it invaded autonomous Palestinian territory.

The damage in question affected various items of Palestinian infrastructure which had been financed by means of funds provided by the EU or its Member States including the unused airport at Gaza, which cost 42,6 million euros (28,2 million of which were contributed by Spain).

What view does the Spanish Presidency take regarding the possibility and the merits of demanding compensation from Israel for the damage caused by the latter country to installations which are essential to the development of Palestinian society and which were financed by European and Spanish taxpayers?

Reply

(13 May 2002)

The Council has expressed its serious concern at the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and other facilities which help Palestinians in their economic, social and humanitarian development, including elements financed by the European Union and other donors. The European Union has urged the Government of Israel to put an end to this practice and reserves the right to claim reparations in the appropriate fora.

The aim of EU support for Palestinian development projects is to alleviate the difficult socio-economic situation of the Palestinians, with a view to supporting the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP). It cannot be in the interests of Israel to exacerbate this situation or to weaken the capacity of the Palestinian Authority to fight terrorism.