Ashrawi calls on EU to rescue 2 state solution

PLO Executive Committee member and lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi Wednesday called on the European Union to rescue the two-state solution and the peace process, according to a statement issued by her office. “We call on European countries to translate policy into action and implement new creative initiatives to rescue the two-state solution before Israel destroys the chances for peace,” she told EU Special Representative to Middle East Peace Process Andreas Reinicke in a political briefing at the PLO headquarters in Ramallah. “Israel has been acting with impunity and in violation of international and humanitarian law for far too long,” she warned. Ashrawi discussed Palestinian reconciliation efforts, Israel's escalating settlement campaign, particularly in and around Jerusalem and in the Israeli-controlled Area C of the West Bank, extremist settler attacks on Christian and Muslim holy sites, political developments in Palestine, and issues of mutual concern. “The Israeli government is still able to create facts on the ground due to the inability of Europe and the United States to hold Israel accountable for violating the global rule of law,” she said. “With this, there is no sign of a breakthrough in the revival of the so-called 'peace process.'' Ashrawi briefed Mr. Reinicke on the condition of Adnan Khader and hundreds of other Palestinian prisoners who are subjected to Israel's illegal practice of administrative detentions that are in clear violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. She also discussed future Palestinian steps to pursue membership in international organizations and agencies and continued efforts to garner support for an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capitol. “If the Quartet wants to make any difference in promoting peace and stability throughout the region, it must adopt a proactive approach and hold Israel accountable. It is not more talks that are needed, but rather real compliance by Israel and liability for its actions,” concluded Ashrawi.