Solana: EU has role in Mideast peace talks, like it or not

[Classical_Liberal]

Solana defended the EU's support for the resolution, which called on Israel to comply with the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The ICJ said that Israel should dismantle the fence throughout the West Bank and compensate the Palestinians.

"The United Nations and international institutions such as the International Court of Justice are in our view important components in the campaign to attain peace and security around the world," Solana said. "A majority of 150 states supported the court's decision. We know what you think about the UN, but you can't stop us from honoring the decisions of the ICJ or the General Assembly. We will continue to support the UN in the future."

Solana noted that the EU opposed the route chosen for the separation fence. "We told you from square one that we oppose the construction of the wall in occupied Palestinian territory. I know that the fence has saved many lives, but it would also have saved these lives had it been built inside . It must be recalled that many Palestinians have died."

Solana emphasized that Israel has a right to self-defense. No European country denies this, he said. Nonetheless, he added, Israel must honor international law........

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/455082.html

[Violet_Crumble]

1. When is the EU going to wake up??

Commitment to honour international law IS NOT being impartial, except when Israel and Israelis are the victims of violations of international law, and then it's okay to scream at the top of one's lungs that Israel demands international law be honoured...

The EU best toe the line of impartiality, lest they be sacked by Israel, who will then create a new super-duper, totally impartial Quartet made up of the astoundingly impartial US, Israel, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia!

Violet...

[bemildred]

2. Yeah, who does he think he is, anyway? nt

[sushi]

3. That impartial Quartet

has become an impartial Sextet. Newest members are Australia and Palau (where the @#$% is Palau?)

[sushi]

4. Have looked up Palau

It's a tiny place near the Phillipines. No doubt it votes the way the US wants it to.

[IndianaGreen]

5. Aaaah, but doesn't Israel want admitance to the EU?

Seems to me that the EU is holding all the cards here.

[bemildred]

6. Also the largest trading partner.

Much bigger than the US for example.
Not only all the cards, but owns the casino.
Hence the resort to rhetorical strategies rather
than more substantial threats, and Mr. Solana's
unruffled reaction.