Speakers of Euro-Mediterranean parliaments call for Israeli pullout

Speakers of the Euro-Mediterranean parliaments expressed grave concern over Israel's occupation of some Palestinian towns and villages and called for implementation of Security Council resolutions 1397, 1402 and 1403.

In a statement issued after their meeting in Cairo on Friday, the Euro-Mediterranean lawmakers called for Israeli troops withdrawal from the Palestinian territories and lifting the siege imposed on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's headquarters.

They condemned the Israeli military measures that caused casualties among the unarmed Palestinians.

The statement regretted the failure to make progress in the Middle East peace process and appealed to the Palestinian and Israeli leadership to show the maximum degree of self-restraint and resume peace talks.

The lawmakers reiterated at their statement what came in Athens final communique on the importance of adopting the land for-peace principle and implementing the Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and Israel's right to live within secured international-recognized borders.

They welcomed the outcome of the Arab summit which was held recently in Beirut and expressed satisfaction over the proposals that would lead to peace in the region and put an end to military operations.

The parliamentarians stressed the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership for realizing peace and security in the region and respecting the holy sites, including the Church of the Nativity.