(11/11/04) Dood Arafat moet leiden tot hernieuwd vredesproces

• 2004-11-11

Arafat's death must be followed by renewed emphasis on peace process

The Co-Presidents of the Green/EFA Group in the European Parliament today expressed their deep sadness at the news of the death of the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Yasser Arafat.

Daniel Cohn-Bendit said:

"The Palestinian people have lost both a leader and a father. Yasser Arafat was a man for whom controversy was certainly never far away, but the right of the Palestinians to have a state that is publicly recognised by all envoys and international organisations is largely due to him. History will take its time to judge his life and his deeds. In the meantime Yasser Arafat's death has left a vacuum that will be very difficult – yet essential – to fill."

Monica Frassoni added:

"In the weeks that follow the sad death of President Arafat, what is left of the Middle East peace process must urgently be brought back on track. The Israeli government no longer has a 'get-out' clause. The Palestinians must be given the space to democratically select their new leader and Ariel Sharon must recognise whoever that is. Prime Minister Sharon must then resume negotiations with a view to a final and comprehensive two-state solution that includes secure borders for Israel and a viable Palestinian state."