Budapest 2002
The Congress notes as positive Security Council resolution 1397 which ’affirms a vision of a region where two states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders’. Deplores that the peace process in the Middle East and the Israeli – Palestinian dialogue has come to a near standstill.
Deplores the escalation of violence its present level and stresses that both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership must encourage dialogue and must convey to their own peoples the same message as to the world at large.
Is convinced that without a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli – Palestinian dispute, no lasting peace can be achieved in the Middle East taking into consideration the legitimate aspirations of all its inhabitants which leaves an open wound to be exploited by terrorists in the region and all over the world.
Is of the opinion that a lasting peace in the Middle East should be based on the universal principles of freedom and democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, including women’s rights, religious tolerance, ethnic equality, social justice and good governance.
Urges the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to accept immediately a ceasefire based on the Tenet plan and enact confidence-building measures according to the Mitchell plan.
Recognizes that a moratorium means that the Palestinian Authority should use all its powers to stop terrorist attacks and violence against the State of Israel and its citizens which originate directly or indirectly from the territories and agencies under its control, that the Intifada should be brought to an end, that terrorist organisations should be outlawed and that those who are responsible for acts of terrorism and the incitement to violence should be brought to justice.
Recognizes that a moratorium also implies that Israel should stop the establishment of new Jewish settlements and the enlargement of existing settlements in the Palestinian territories under its control, which is one of the causes of the present conflict. This would facilitate the necessary ending of the Intifada. Without limiting its right to self defence, Israel should refrain from taking actions which harm Palestinian civilians and their property and follow a policy of restraint, however difficult this might be, given the terrible nature of the terrorist attacks against innocent Israeli citizens.
Urges both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, at the start of the moratorium, to return to Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, the Oslo Accords and any subsequent agreements freely entered into as the point of departure for renewed negotiations and calls on all governments in the region to support constructively the peace process, taking note of the Saudi proposals.
Stresses that an essential part of any progress to peace must be the removal of hate propaganda against Israelis or calling for the destruction of Israel from Palestinian official publications, schoolbooks, TV and radio.
Calls on all Israeli and Palestinian organisations to avoid inciting hatred and violence and promote dialogue and understanding.
