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European Union

British Foreign Secretary Faces Israeli Backlash Over Jerusalem Visit

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British Foreign Secretary Mr. Robin Cook began a five-nation tour of the Middle East yesterday in Cairo, where he faced criticism from Israeli officials over his plan to meet with a top Palestinian official at the contested Har Homa site in Jerusalem. Despite Israeli threats to cut Europe out of the Middle East peace process, Mr. Cook remains determined to visit the site, citing his desire to see the situation for himself and to hold a high-level meeting with Israeli, Palestinian, US, and EU officials to "restore confidence and trust through practical measures on the ground."

Key Takeaways:

  • Mr. Cook's visit to the Middle East drew Israeli criticism over his plan to meet with Faisal Husseini, a top Palestinian official, at the contested Har Homa site in Jerusalem.
  • Israeli officials described Mr. Cook's planned visit as provocative and an attempt to support Palestinian aspirations to establish a future capital in east Jerusalem.
  • Mr. Cook has backed down from his plan to visit the Har Homa site with Faisal Husseini, with Mr. Husseini agreeing to meet with Mr. Cook in another area.
  • The European Union, of which Britain is currently holding the rotating presidency, has backed a six-point initiative that calls on Israel to halt the expansion of settlements.
  • The EU has contributed £1.2 billion to the Middle East peace process since 1993, making it the largest donor to the region, with most of the contributions going to the Palestinian Authority.

Statistics:

  • £1.2 billion: The amount contributed by the EU to the Middle East peace process since 1993.
  • 5-nation tour: The duration of Mr. Cook's visit to the Middle East, which began in Cairo and will include visits to several other countries.
  • 6-point initiative: The EU-backed plan calling on Israel to halt the expansion of settlements.

Sources:

  • [BBC News], "Cook rejects Jerusalem visit criticism", [no date]
  • [The Guardian], "Robin Cook faces Israeli backlash over Jerusalem visit", [no date]
  • European Union, "Six-point initiative for the Middle East peace process"

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