Ref: 12/2007

Date: 13 March  2007

Sourani Meets EU Delegation

On Monday, 12 March 2007, PCHR’s Director, Raji Sourani, met a European Union delegation in the Center’s main office in Gaza City. The delegation included Mr. Alberto Ucelay (Advisor Ambassador Otte – EU Special Representative in the Middle East Peace Process), Mr. Fredrik Kirst (Consul for Political Affairs in the Consulate General of Sweden), and Ms. Susann Nilsson (Political Advisor in the EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support).

The meeting discussed freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians through Rafah Crossing and the EU role in that matter. He stated that despite the good intentions, a state of social and economic strangulation has taken hold of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the EU started to monitor Rafah Crossing. Sourani pointed that restriction on movement on the Crossing has been the worst since the start of the occupation in 1967. Sourani affirmed that current practices at Rafah are degrading and unjustified.

In addition, the meeting discussed the EU position on the national unity government. In this regard, Sourani stressed the importance of EU respect for Palestinian democracy and political legitimacy. He pointed that Europe’s credibility on democracy and the rule of law was shaken based on its position after the last parliamentary elections. Sourani also stressed that it is forbidden to deal selectively with democracy.

Sourani also stated that Palestinian civil society and human rights organizations welcome the Mecca Agreement, and the stoppage of internal Palestinian fighting. He added that any agreement that respects Palestinians and safeguards their lives and dignity is a welcomed agreement. Sourani said that the latest rounds of infighting were a black page in Palestinian history, and are now a part of history.

In addition, Sourani indicated that the last six months have been the worst in terms of Israeli occupation measures against Palestinians. He pointed to Israeli human rights violations in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Jerusalem. Sourani affirmed that the Israeli occupation is the most serious and comprehensive form of violation of Palestinian human rights. Sourani called for putting an end to this occupation that has been ongoing for 40 years.