Foreign Minister Tuomioja sees several promising signs in the Middle East situation

In the recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Bremen, the atmosphere around the situation in the Middle East was more hopeful than usual, Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja writes on his website. According to him, there are many reasons for this.

The weapons have remained silent for the time being, and a new government of national unity, with representatives from Hamas and Fatah as well as third, independent forces, has started its work. We are now talking about a coalition government set up in due democratic process after democratic and faultless elections.

"Even though the EU does not do business with Hamas, the Union must still cooperate with the new government provided that it respects all commitments made by the Palestinians, and does not act in violation of the conditions set by the international community concerning non-violence and commitment to the peace process," Tuomioja writes.

Besides the new Palestinian government, according to Tuomioja, another factor giving new hope is the new activity of the Quartet – i.e. the UN, the EU, the United States, and Russia – and the Arab states for promotion of the peace plan, as well as the increased readiness of Israel to return to the negotiation process, as proven by the agreement on regular meetings between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas.

Nevertheless, Tuomioja admits that the hopes for peace in the Middle East have tended to fall apart at regular intervals. Even now, there are constant threats, including the unstable situation in Lebanon. Tuomioja still underscores the same view he did last summer after the Lebanon war: The European Union does not bring peace to the Middle East by itself, but it is difficult to believe that peace could be established in the region without EU's strong commitment and contribution to the peace process in every possible way.

Erkki Tuomioja's website (Finnish)(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)

Foreign Minister Tuomioja participates in the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers(Link to another website.)