The European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Palestine will organize a mission in Palestine on 20-24th February. The Vice-President of the Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left and Chair of the Delegation Neoklis Sylikiotis will head the mission.

The Delegation within the framework of its mission will visit Jerusalem and meet with President Abbas and Ministers of the Palestinian Authority, as well as with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Furthermore, meetings have also been scheduled with student representatives, as well as with organizations fighting for peace in order to send a strong signal that the occupation of Palestine, which is unfortunately continuing for 50 years, must end.

The meeting also to be held with communities that are at risk of forcible displacement due to the Israeli settlements which are constantly expanding is considered particularly important.

In his statements, N. Sylikiotis stressed that the unacceptable decision approved by the Knesset to retroactively legalize 4,000 settler homes that were illegally built on Palestinian properties, as well as the settlements that are continually expanding, are undermining every peace effort to achieve a two-state solution. This is the reason why, as pointed out, within the context of the mission the delegation of MEP’s will discuss in depth this issue and examine how the EU can support the fulfillment of this goal.

The AKEL MEP reiterated emphatically the need to establish an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital; a Palestinian state that will live in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.

In conclusion, N. Sylikiotis stressed that the EU must exert pressure on Israel to end the ongoing colonization, lift the occupation and commit itself to a roadmap for peace and a two-state solution.

The Delegation will hold a press conference on Thursday 23rd February in Jerusalem.

Also participating in the mission will be the Vice-President of the Delegation and member of the Greens group, M. Auken, Spanish MEP A. Vallina from the European United Left-Nordic Green Left Confederal Group, MEP B. Benifei, member of the Socialist Group and MEP I. Vajgl from the Liberal Group.