The newly tense situation in the Middle East, especially in the Gaza Strip, will be on the agenda for the meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday 19 November, during the Foreign Affairs Council. “I trust”, said Minister Terzi, “that Europe will be listened to and heard as one single voice”. He added that “the question will be very high on the agenda for debate” by the EU foreign ministers.
“The situation is very worrying”, the Minister underscored. “Urgent action is needed to reduce the tensions, give Israel its security and restore a minimum of tranquillity to the Gaza Strip”.
A role of moderation by Egypt
Secondo il Ministro “molto possono fare i paesi confinanti e confido nel ruolo moderatore dell’Egitto, un grande paese che ha dato prova di moderazione e di voler rispettare il trattato di pace con Israele”.
In Minister Terzi’s view, “much can be done by the neighbouring countries. I have confidence in Egypt’s role as ‘moderator’. This great country has proved its moderation and its wish to respect the peace treaty with Israel”.
Terzi has just spoken on the phone with his Israeli and Egyptian colleagues, Avigdor Lieberman and Kemal Amr. Referring to the forthcoming debate at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, he reiterated to both foreign ministers that Italy intends to make every effort to ensure that Europe plays an effective role to help reduce the tension.
Ashton “deeply concerned”
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, said she was “deeply concerned at the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip”. She called for the rocket attacks by Hamas to stop and urged Israel to ensure that its response is proportionate. “The rocket attacks by Hamas and other factions in Gaza which began this current crisis are totally unacceptable for any government and must stop”.
