EU sticks with Middle East road map amid uncertainty

Date: 07/11/02

By Khaled Diab

THE collapse of Israel's national unity government, following the exit of the Labour Party, has sparked fears in EU corridors that a hardening of Israeli politics could further endanger the prospects for a resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians.

The concerns revolve around Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's hastily assembled far-right caretaker government, which will take Israel through to February's election.

The new alliance has seen 'arch-hawk' former premier Binyamin Netanyahu take up the foreign ministry portfolio previously held by Labour 'dove' Shimon Peres.

'The situation looks very gloomy it may well create an even more unreceptive environment in Israel,' an EU diplomat told European Voice.

Nevertheless, the EU is determined to push ahead with its efforts to revive the stalled peace process.

The Union is working with its 'Quartet' partners - the United States, the United Nations and Russia- to forge a 'road map' to replace the current array of peace plans being touted.

'We hope that our American friends will put pressure on Israel's caretaker government to accept this road map,' added the diplomat.

The collapse of Israel's national unity government has sparked fears in EU corridors that a hardening of Israeli politics could further endanger the prospects for a resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians.