The Hague Declaration issued today by the G7 to their counterpart in what has been the G8. The exact same declaration, if its logic is to be held as universally applicable, morally sound, and upheld as binding by international consensus, deserves being issued to Netanyahu and the government of Israel as it is here to Putin and the government of Russia... and backed by sanctions and withdrawal of foreign aid until such time as they honor the inalienable rights of Palestinians too to self-determination, equal treatment under the law, and equal opportunities to thrive. What if we had an equally serious Hague Declaration to Israel?: 1. We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission met in The Hague to reaffirm our support for [Palestian] sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. 2. International law prohibits the acquisition of part or all of another state’s territory through coercion or force. To do so violates the principles upon which the international system is built. We condemn the illegal [policies and actions taken by the Knesset in violation of Palestinians rights to their own self-determination.] We also strongly condemn [Israel’s] illegal attempt to annex the [West Bank and Gaza Strip] in contravention of international law and specific international obligations. We do not recognize either. 3. Today, we reaffirm that [Israel’s] actions will have significant consequences. This clear violation of international law is a serious challenge to the rule of law around the world and should be a concern for all nations. In response to [Israels] violation of [Palestine’s] sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to demonstrate our determination to respond to these illegal actions, individually and collectively we have imposed a variety of sanctions against [Israel] and those individuals and entities responsible. We remain ready to intensify actions including coordinated sectoral sanctions that will have an increasingly significant impact on the [Israeli] economy, if [Israel] continues to escalate this situation. 4. We remind [Israel] of its international obligations, and its responsibilities including those for the world economy. [Israel] has a clear choice to make. Diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation remain open, and we encourage the [Israeli] Government to take them. [Israel] must respect [Palestine’s] territorial integrity and sovereignty, begin discussions with the Government of [Palestine], and avail itself of offers of international mediation and monitoring to address any legitimate concerns. 5. The [Israeli Governments] support for the [Fourth Geneva Convention] is a step in the right direction. We look forward to the mission’s early deployment, in order to facilitate the dialogue on the ground, reduce tensions and promote normalization of the situation, and we call on all parties to ensure that Special Monitoring Mission members have safe and secure access throughout [Palestine] to fulfill their mandate. 6. This Group came together because of shared beliefs and shared responsibilities. [Israels actions] are not consistent with them. Under these circumstances, we [cannot support the planned [US-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014]. We will suspend our participation in the [Strategic partnership] until [Israel] changes course and the environment comes back to where the [Partnership] is able to have a meaningful discussion and will meet again as planned, in June 2014, in Brussels, to discuss the broad agenda we have together. We have also advised our Foreign Ministers [and] Energy Ministers to discuss ways to strengthen our [collective regional security, energy, and economic interests that now stand in jeopardy]. 7. At the same time, we stand firm in our support for the people of [Palestine] who seek to restore unity, democracy, political stability, and economic prosperity to their country. We commend the [Palestinian] government’s ambitious reform agenda and will support its implementation as Palestine seeks to start a new chapter in its history, grounded on a broad-based constitutional reform, free and fair presidential elections, promotion of human rights and respect of national minorities. 8. The International Monetary Fund has a central role leading the international effort to support [Palestinian] reform, lessening [Palestines] economic vulnerabilities, and better integrating the country as a market economy in the multilateral system. We strongly support the IMFs work with the [Palestinian] authorities and urge them to reach a rapid conclusion. IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU, and bilateral sources. We remain united in our commitment to provide strong financial backing to [Palestine], to co-ordinate our technical assistance, and to provide assistance in other areas, including measures to enhance trade and strengthen energy security.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 02:06:26 +0000
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