European deputy upon return from the autonomous areas sharply criticises the suspension of EU financial aid

Palestine is threatened by a social and economic catastrophe

After his return from the Palestinian territories, the European deputy André Brie (Left Party) warned against a looming social and economic catastrophe and a political chaos. “This development is last but not least the direct consequence of the policy of the West face to the Palestinians and its elected leadership”, Brie declared on Wednesday in Berlin. Together with four additional representatives of altogether four fractions of the European parliament, the deputy had informed himself these last few days about the situation in Palestine and participated in the start of an Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative. Apart from that, the European deputies had met with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, with the speaker and numerous other deputies of the Palestinian parliament as well as with members of the Knesset.

In sharp form, Brie condemned the stop of the EU financial aid for the autonomous areas. “That is a collective punishment of the Palestinians. It is first of all inhuman, because it hits without distinction all people in the autonomy areas that are suffering enormous misery already anyway. It is, secondly, counterproductive, because by way of these sanctions nothing will change to the position of the extremist forces. Thirdly, it plays into the hands of these forces and de-legitimises the elections in the Palestinian territories that also from the point of view of the international observers took place democratically and fairly.” The politician asked the Hamas for basic changes in its political attitude. In particular, it should recognise the existence right of Israel and the roadmap and reject terrorist force unambiguously and for the duration.

“The present EU policy face to Palestine is apparently made by persons that do not know the situation in the region, the real problems, and the extent of the suffering of the people”, Brie emphasised. He called on the European Commission to employ the same criteria that are applied to the Palestinian leadership also vis-à-vis Israel. “This means in particular that the call on the racist Avigdor Liebermann, who wants to 'ethnically cleanse' Israel, to become police minister must be answered by a clear response from Brussels.”