Activites

• 2004/04/22 Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
  • T5-0375/2004 summary

    The European Parliament passed a resolution on the forthcoming transatlantic summit (25-26 June) deploring the continued unilateralism of the United States at a time when the major challenges facing the international community in such areas as environmental protection, development, the fight against poverty and collective security call for closer international cooperation and respect for multinational rules. Parliament stressed the importance of a comprehensive dialogue, including political, economic, defence and security cooperation, between two partners as a fundamental basis for the transatlantic relationship. In spite of certain fundamental differences, there are still more factors uniting Europe and the United States than there are dividing them. Parliament proposed the building of a transatlantic community of action, addressing prescribed priorities, which include strengthening the United Nations, preventing future military conflicts by addressing their roots, curbing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction, in the framework of the existing treaties, and support for the future of the International Criminal Court. Parliament expressed its deep regret at the statement by President Bush on the occasion of the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister to Washington on 14 April 2004 on the issue of the future border between Israel and a viable Palestinian State. Borders are part of the final status that must be negotiated on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the Oslo Agreement and the Roadmap endorsed by the Quartet. Parliament remained convinced that no unilateral or one-sided initiative can replace a just and fair negotiation between both sides. The EU position is that changes to the pre-1967 borders would not be recognised other than through an agreement between the respective sides. Parliament called for an urgent meeting of the Quartet in order to reinstate the proposals of the Roadmap. Parliament went on to endorse the need to pursue the necessary reforms in the countries of the wider Middle East, jointly with progressive forces in those countries, and not to impose them from outside. There is the need for a broader approach to the situation in the entire Middle East region, notably post-war Iraq, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the tensions generated by religious, cultural, social and economic factors. In this framework, it would be advisable to start a common process in which the EU, NATO, the Arab League and all other countries of the region should participate. Parliament recommended to the Summit the creation of a long-term collaborative framework and the launching of a joint Action Plan for the Fight on Terrorism. Such an Action Plan should combine strong determination and action against terrorism with full respect for human rights and international humanitarian standards. Parliament reiterated its call for the Guantßnamo detainees to be brought to trial and treated in accordance with international law. It urged the Council to include this issue on the agenda for the forthcoming EU-US Summit. Parliament went on to propose a 10-year Action Plan aimed at deepening the transatlantic market with the goal of a barrier-free transatlantic market by 2015. It viewed with alarm the policy of the US Administration whereby countries mustcooperate with the United States on its foreign policy and national security goals in order to become eligible as trading partners, and whereby such trading partnerships are a privilege. It recommended finding ways to revitalise the WTO Doha negotiation, while addressing the structural problems which undermine the ability of LDCs and many developing countries to reap the benefits of trade. On security and defence, Parliament reiterated that NATO remains a fundamental guarantee of transatlantic stability and security and an essential framework for coalition operations. It is in the interest of the Transatlantic Partnership and the world's stability to strengthen both NATO's and the EU's capabilities. Military interventions should be mandated by the UN. Finally, Parliament noted that an agreement on a European Constitution which confers legal personality on the EU and provides for the appointment of a European Minister for Foreign Affairs will reinforce the EU's position on the international political scene and contribute to balanced transatlantic relations.�

Documents

• Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T5-0375/2004

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)