24/04/2002 | EP: Intervention by Della Vedova, radical MEP

One of the conclusions of the Valencia summit was the signing of European Union association agreements with Algeria and Lebanon. I believe that the Parliament should welcome these agreements, but I am afraid that they are destined to be dead letters as far as the clauses that bind all the EU's economic and institutional agreements with other countries to the respect of human, civil and political rights are concerned. Lebanon and Algeria, for different reasons, will not stick to their commitments.
This hypocrisy undermines the internal and international credibility of the Union, which on paper reassures the European public of its commitment in favour of the freedom and rights of the citizens of the contracting countries, but in practice never dares to take action against countries that accept European aid but then clearly do nothing to honour their commitments on human rights and on the fundamental liberties. This is the case with the Euro-Mediterranean agreements (with Tunisia, for example), and also of the agreements with more distant countries (like Laos, to cite just one example).
We ought to reflect on this matter, and choose a more honourable solution such as the elimination of these clauses, rather than continuing to display hypocrisy and weakness. Why was a charter for peace and stability discussed yesterday without any mention of human rights and democracy?

In recent weeks the Parliament called for sanctions against Israel, the only country in the Middle East that is committed to the respect of human and civil rights, and that has never asked for anything from other countries. It matters little that the Council rejected the request, given that it had been voted by a wide majority.

EU policy towards the Mediterranean region must become a top priority, much more than it has been up to now. Europe has concentrated and continues to concentrate on its north-eastern border, but has overlooked its Mediterranean borders to the south.
Many of the problems currently afflicting Europe, such as those of immigration and security, stem from its southern borders. From its relations with the Muslim world.
I therefore appreciated the words which the Minister Piquè spoke on this subject, and in particular his commitment to the relaunch of the Barcelona process. Although I have my doubts about whether the conclusions reached yesterday will lead to real progress. To take one example: when we will begin to question Europe's protectionist trade policies, especially the rock-solid common agricultural policy, for products that would bring some relief to the economies of the southern shores of the Mediterranean, creating better conditions for economic development and consequently a better chance of establishing democracy and regulating emigration?

Finally, a word on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The satisfaction expressed at the possibility of a visit to Palestine and a meeting with Arafat by the European mission is understandable. The statement made by the Presidency this morning reiterated the warning to Israel not to carry out attacks on Arafat's headquarters. We know what the EU has asked from Israel. But what we will ask from Arafat? Will we call for an end to the endless slaughter of the suicide attacks? Will we call for guarantees on this, and on freedom in the territories under Palestinian administration? Or will we settle, as always, for Arafat's refusals?

Finally, I wish to emphasise strongly the need for the European Union to welcome the proposal for full Israeli membership of the Union. Yesterday the President of the Knesset stated that any agreement for the Middle East must contemplate the economic, social and democratic integration of Israel in the Union, and added that he prefers the "carrot" of Israeli membership of the Union to the "stick" of sanctions. A responsible Europe with a strategic vision would seize this opportunity to make a real contribution to the peace process and to the social and economic development of Israel and the Middle East.