Barroso against Israeli separation wall route

European Commission President-designate Jose Manuel Durao Barroso announced on Wednesday that he was against the route of the separation wall being built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian West Bank.

Addressing a congregation of the European democratic and independent parties at the European Parliament, Barroso said his stance has been prompted not only by the human and economic sufferings being accentuated by the wall but by the impact of the wall on future peace talks and any prospective political solution to the conflict.

The Europeans' recognition of Israel's right to defend and protect its citizens does not mean consent to violate international law and codes, he said.

He stressed the necessity that the EU together with the Quartet should be committed to reaching a peaceful solution to this long-running conflict.