Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic on the situation in the Middle East
10.01.2003 / 08:25 | Aktualizováno: 30.07.2009 / 16:27
(10/1/2003)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic strongly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Israel that, like many times before, have claimed innocent civilian lives.
The Czech Republic has always supported, and continues to support, a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. The peace talks must safeguard the security needs of the State of Israel, as well as the legitimate right of the Palestinians to their own state. However, this Palestinian goal can in no way be achieved through terrorism and violence.
The Czech Republic considers it necessary to convince both sides
that the only solution to the crisis is to resume their dialogue
and cooperation on questions of political settlement, security and
economic reconstruction. The international community, working with
all interested parties, must make every effort to dispel the
scepticism and concerns of those who believe that the crisis has no
solution. The decisive factor in the future development will be the
acceptance of the Quartet (USA, EU, UN and Russia) peace plan by
both sides. Its practical implementation may unblock and revitalize
the process leading to a comprehensive peaceful settlement in the
Middle East.