Chris Patten: Israel systematically targeted civilian infrastructure
Palestine-European Union, Politics, 4/27/2002

Chris Patten, European commissioner for foreign relations said addressing the European Parliament three days ago:

I have also been deeply disturbed by the reports coming out of the West Bank of the behaviour of the Israeli Defence Forces. There are reports, which must be thoroughly investigated, that they have sometimes shown a disregard for civilian life, and they have certainly disregarded UN and ICRC appeals to be allowed to carry out humanitarian duties. Israel, as a democratic country that shares many values with the West, should meet international standards of behaviour.

FULL WITHDRAWAL: We regret that the Powell mission did not yield immediate results in terms either of a ceasefire or of an immediate withdrawal. I continue to be concerned about reactions in the Arab world in the face of this stalled situation.

I repeat my strong support for the UN-led fact-finding mission to Jenin. It would not be in Israel's interest to leave unanswered the allegations which have been made. We want to see the mission make effective and rapid progress and we call for active co-operation from all the parties involved.

FULL ACCESS: With regard to the humanitarian situation there must be full and unhindered access to the affected areas, particularly refugee camps, to provide urgently-needed relief and humanitarian assistance, and to be able to undertake an assessment of the damage done and the repairs which are needed.

FULL INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATION: The international community stands ready to help. For the moment the focus must be on humanitarian aid. We are nevertheless still committed to making a full and substantial economic contribution to peace-building, with the aim of improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people, of consolidating the PA, of strengthening the economic basis of the future State of Palestine and of promoting development and regional economic integration. But this commitment to consolidate the PA and to reconstruction will need to be integrated within a wider political process including sufficient guarantees from both parties in the conflict that our efforts will not be wasted or destroyed. You cannot rebuild the PA in a political vacuum. Mr Peres told us yesterday that he supported a flourishing and modern Palestinian Authority. Israel has found a strange way to express that support in recent weeks. But I hope that Mr Peres speaks for the Israeli government, and that we will see his expressed view reflected in Israel's attitude towards the aspiration to create a Palestinian State, and Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories.

Even if it is still too early to assess the full extent of damage that has been inflicted it is clear that there is also going to be a need for major reconstruction and rehabilitation work. The assessment of the need, which has only just begun, is urgent. It is already clear, however, that even short term needs will run into hundreds of millions of dollars. I expect that tomorrow's meeting of the international donor community in Oslo (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) will help us to quantify the damages and to begin to prepare a co-ordinated response by donors.

FULL REHABILITATION OF PALESTINIAN STRUCTURES: There is also the need to fill the administrative and security vacuum in the wake of the Israeli withdrawal the alternative is chaos and anarchy, which is not in anyone's interest.

I must repeat my grave concern about the destruction of the basic structures of the PA and military operations against Arafat. This weakens the powers of PA to enforce the rule of law, to rein in terrorists and to avert suicide bombings. It plays into the hands of, and increases support among the Palestinian population for extremist groups such as Hamas Jihad. The fight against terrorism cannot be used as a justification for the destruction of basic infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority. I am also very concerned at the breakdown of general law and order. We have seen horrible events such as lynchings in the last few days. This must stop. But it is only likely to stop when Palestinians regain control in their areas.

Israeli military actions have not just targeted the security apparatus of the PA but have systematically inflicted damage on civil infrastructure which has no security role whatsoever, such as the Ministries of Education, Finance, Agriculture, the Land Registry, the Central Statistics Bureau, and even the Palestinian Legislative Council which must be of great concern to the members of this House. Palestinians will have to rebuild large parts of their administration without which daily life cannot function in an orderly fashion.

Previous Stories:
  Palestinian court sentences persons accused of killing Zeifi   (4/26/2002)
  UN fact-finding mission to arrive in Middle East on Saturday   (4/25/2002)
  UNSC can try Israeli generals for war crimes   (4/25/2002)
  European MPs: Israel committed massacre in Jenin   (4/25/2002)
  Guardian report: Israel breached the Geneva conventions   (4/24/2002)

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