Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin-s Statement on Europe-s role in the peace process

On a number of occasions, European leaders and diplomats expressed misgivings about what they considered a secondary role accorded to Europe in the peace process. They expressed disappointment and at times resentment over the leading role of the United States in the process. Europe also had a different interpretation as to the role of the proposed Middle East Regional Bank. Israel sought to ameliorate these feelings and in a meeting with a Spanish delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin explained to his interlocutors the contribution Europe could make to the peace process. Text of the Foreign Ministry spokesman on the conversation follows:

In the framework of the political dialogue that Israel is conducting with an increasing number of countries, a further round of consultations and discussions to update Spain was begun yesterday (Sunday), 15.01.95. Spain is currently a member of the European Union troika and will serve as EU President, beginning in July 1995. The Spanish delegation - composed of a number of senior Foreign Ministry officials, headed by the Director of its Middle East and North Africa Division, Miguel Angel Martinez - will, in Jerusalem, discuss the EU's Mediterranean policies, as well as various perspectives on Israeli-European relations in international forums. The Spanish delegation is also scheduled to hear expert briefings on various issues related to the peace process and the situation in the Middle East. The meetings were opened yesterday (Sunday), 15.01.95, with a talk with Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Yossi Beilin and a Foreign Ministry team headed by Deputy Director-General for Europe, Yehuda Milo.

The head of the Spanish delegation said that a troika delegation at the level of Foreign Ministers will arrive next month for a tour of the region. According to Mr. Martinez, the European Union is disappointed over the responsibility that it was allotted at the Casablanca Conference, and is seeking more fitting responsibilities. With this, Mr. Martinez stated that the European Union has not yet succeeded in precisely defining its role in the Middle East.

Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin briefed the guests on developments in the peace process and said that the European Union's contribution could focus on two important points: transferring aid to the Palestinian Authority as quickly as possible in order to establish and strengthen it, and making it clear to the Syrians that they are liable to miss the opportunity. Martinez promised that a statement to this effect would be delivered to the Syrians. Regarding the issue of a regional bank, he added that Europe does not oppose its establishment, but that the proposal in its current format could not answer all of the region's needs. Therefore, the EU was proposing that the establishment of additional parallel institutions, such as a regional fund for extending guarantees to investors, be considered. Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin took note of what was said.