Pavel sees no big difference in the EU’s positions on the situation in the Middle East
Prague – President Petr Pavel does not see a significant difference in the positions of European Union countries regarding the situation in the Middle East. According to him, the Czech Republic critically perceives some actions of the Israeli government. The head of state said this to reporters before departing for the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, where he expects a debate on this topic as well.
“I think there isn’t such a big difference in positions, because we also perceive with a certain degree of concern and critically some of the recent actions of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu,” Pavel said. He expects agreement on increasing pressure for the continuation or expansion of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
“As for the condemnation of certain actions that lead, for example, to the expansion of settlements, thereby reducing the chances for a two-state solution, we will also have very close positions there. I do not think that the negotiations should be controversial, and it will certainly be good if we speak with one voice,” the president added.
The head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas, with whom Pavel is set to have bilateral talks, stated after the weekend meeting of EU foreign ministers that the countries do not agree on how to compel the Israeli government to change its actions. According to her, the foreign ministers of EU countries are divided regarding the response to Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. Some called for strong economic pressure on Israel during the meeting in Copenhagen, while others indicated that they were not willing to go that far.
The Israeli army announced on Friday that it is ending daily pauses in fighting for the delivery of humanitarian aid in the city of Gaza, which it designated as a dangerous combat zone. Shortly thereafter, it announced that it had launched the initial phases of a planned offensive in the city. According to Kallas, this could lead to further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the area. (September 1)
