Vella calls on EU to take central role in resolving Gaza conflict

Foreign affairs minister George Vella attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Friday to discuss two issues which are currently dominating the international headlines: the Southern Neighbourhood, in particular Iraq and Syria, the Middle East as well as Libya, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ministers were briefed on the situation in Iraq by the UN Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Nikolai Mladenov.

Vella joined colleagues in underlining the EU’s commitment to Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.  EU ministers expressed their concern with the deterioration of the security situation in Iraq, condemning the attacks perpetrated by ISIS and other armed groups.

EU ministers were also unanimous in expressing deep concern with regard to the humanitarian situation in the country and massive displacement of civilians.

The council also welcomed the latest political developments in Iraq, namely the nomination of Heider Al Abadi as Prime Minister designate, expressing confidence that a new government will be inclusive and able to address the needs and legitimate aspirations of all Iraqis.

On the situation in the Middle East, Vella referred to the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the need for a durable ceasefire and for the EU to support such negotiations.

He called for the EU to play a more robust role in seeking a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the conflict, while building on lessons learnt from recent efforts.

Vella underlined the fact that the European Union and international actors should give more attention to the younger generation that have no aspiration but to engage in violence.

On Libya, Vella recalled the fast unravelling developments that are threatening stability in the region. In this regard he expressed serious concern that further internecine violence will create a deterioration of the security of the country and the neighbourhood, opening further possibilities for the establishment of extremist groups, such as ISIS, in the country and the region, thereby threatening European Union security.

He welcomed the first sittings of the newly elected House of Representatives in Tobruk and appealed to all parties in Libya to support its work.

EU Ministers acknowledged the efforts of Libya’s neighbouring countries in helping Libya overcome the crisis as well as their solidarity in dealing with displaced persons.

The council welcomed the nomination of Bernardino Leon as the UN Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Libya and also underlined the role of EUBAM Libya in assisting Libya with its border management challenges.

Ministers also discussed the worsening crisis in Eastern Ukraine and its humanitarian impact on the civilian population. The Council also called on all parties to support and facilitate the work of international humanitarian organizations, in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles.

In this regard the Council reiterated its call on all parties to agree on a ceasefire, in particular in response to the humanitarian urgency.

Ministers also emphasized the need to find a political, sustainable solution to the crisis – which has become a matter of urgency.

The council was updated on the recovery operation following the downing of the Malaysian airliner MH17 and ministers called for immediate, safe and unrestricted access to the site to allow the investigation and the repatriation of remaining and belongings of victims to resume.