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PACE calls on Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza

24 June 2010 15:30 (UTC +04:00)

In a resolution adopted by a large majority following an urgent debate, the Assembly welcomed the announcement of a partial easing of the blockade as a â€œfirst stepâ€, but said there should be access by land and sea to allow in the goods necessary for â€œnormal living conditionsâ€ and to permit economic development.
Presenting the report to the Assembly, Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC) said lifting the blockade was â€œessentialâ€ to defuse tension and pave the way to a resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Assembly â€“ which brings together parliamentarians from the 47 Council of Europe member states â€“ also said Israelâ€™s attack on the Gaza aid flotilla was â€œmanifestly disproportionateâ€ and a breach of international law.
It called on Israel to co-operate fully with the international community to ensure a â€œprompt, international, impartial and transparent enquiryâ€ into what happened.
The Assembly also said it appreciated the intensive efforts made by President Obama and his Special Envoy for the Middle East George Mitchell, and expressed its full support for the "proximity talks", urging the parties to co-operate with them fully for a positive outcome.
PACE regularly brings together members of the Israeli Knesset, which holds observer status with the Assembly, and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council to try and build confidence.