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EU Ambassador: Forced Displacement Of Palestinians Is A War Crime
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, Feb. 13 (Petra) -- European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas reaffirmed the EU's position that any forced displacement of Palestinians from the occupied territories constitutes a war crime and violates international law. He emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian territories, which should ultimately form an independent Palestinian state.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Chatzisavas stated that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to ensuring long-term security and stability in the region, reaffirming the EU's unwavering commitment to this stance.
Highlighting Jordan's role, he described the Kingdom as a key ally and one of the EU's closest partners in the southern neighborhood. He noted that bilateral relations, which have spanned decades, are built on mutual respect and benefit both sides.
He further stressed the significance of the EU-Jordan partnership agreement, which has been in place for over 20 years, noting that it is among the most advanced of such agreements and includes a free trade agreement. The two sides regularly seek to update and enhance this relationship every four to five years. He cited the most recent example as the July 15, 2023, meeting of the EU-Jordan Partnership Council, during which Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, on behalf of the Jordanian government, formally requested an upgrade to a new comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.
Over the past six months, the two sides worked extensively to redefine priorities and objectives, culminating in the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on January 29 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Chatzisavas said. The agreement is structured around five pillars: politics, security, investment, human development, and migration.
On the political front, the ambassador stated that the EU is committed to intensifying political dialogue at all levels, including convening a summit every two years and inviting Jordan's foreign minister to regularly address the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Regarding security cooperation, Chatzisavas stressed the EU's desire to strengthen collaboration on security, the rule of law, counter-narcotics efforts, international crime, and counterterrorism. He also highlighted growing military cooperation with Jordan.
Addressing economic ties, he underscored the benefits of the EU-Jordan trade agreement, which facilitates Jordanian exports to the European market without quotas or tariffs. He noted ongoing efforts to review the simplified rules of origin framework to further enhance Jordanian exports. With the EU's market of 450 million consumers, he emphasized the need to diversify Jordan's export base.
On development aid, he reiterated that EU support to Jordan is aimed at poverty reduction and improving access to services, education, and healthcare. He also emphasized EU backing for initiatives tackling social challenges, including employment, gender-based violence, migration, and refugee issues. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the Syrian refugee response and UNRWA.
Investment remains a priority, he noted, citing the new strategic partnership agreement, which includes an EU support package of up to €3 billion. A key component is a €1 billion concessional loan aimed at easing Jordan's macroeconomic constraints and supporting structural and fiscal reforms. Additionally, €600 million in grants will be provided, including direct budgetary support, enabling Jordan to manage external pressures and continue its modernization drive.
Chatzisavas highlighted the EU's ability to leverage up to €1.4 billion in investments in Jordan through partnerships with institutions such as the European Investment Bank. He cited the water carrier project as an example, where EU grants facilitate access to concessional loans for large-scale infrastructure projects.
The EU delegation in Amman, in coordination with Jordan's Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and other sectoral ministries, will work to maximize the benefits of these funds in the coming months.
On humanitarian assistance, he pointed to the EU's €130 million pledge for Gaza aid at the start of 2024, supporting evacuation efforts for hundreds of children now receiving treatment in EU countries. He also commended Jordan's initiative, led by King Abdullah II, to provide medical treatment for 2,000 children from Gaza.
Regarding Israel's recent decision on UNRWA, Chatzisavas expressed deep regret, warning that it could undermine the agency's ability to deliver essential services. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to UNRWA, noting an annual voluntary contribution of approximately €90 million in addition to broader UN support.
Commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent remarks about a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, Chatzisavas stressed that the EU's position remains unchanged: achieving a two-state solution remains the ultimate goal, as outlined in the Oslo Accords. He reaffirmed that Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem are integral parts of a future Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
He also pointed to the EU's participation in the recent Aqaba meeting on Syria, emphasizing the importance of Syria's authorities fulfilling commitments to ensure an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic transition. He noted that the EU has begun suspending certain sanctions on Syria as part of this process.
Amman, Feb. 13 (Petra) -- European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas reaffirmed the EU's position that any forced displacement of Palestinians from the occupied territories constitutes a war crime and violates international law. He emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian territories, which should ultimately form an independent Palestinian state.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Chatzisavas stated that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to ensuring long-term security and stability in the region, reaffirming the EU's unwavering commitment to this stance.
Highlighting Jordan's role, he described the Kingdom as a key ally and one of the EU's closest partners in the southern neighborhood. He noted that bilateral relations, which have spanned decades, are built on mutual respect and benefit both sides.
He further stressed the significance of the EU-Jordan partnership agreement, which has been in place for over 20 years, noting that it is among the most advanced of such agreements and includes a free trade agreement. The two sides regularly seek to update and enhance this relationship every four to five years. He cited the most recent example as the July 15, 2023, meeting of the EU-Jordan Partnership Council, during which Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, on behalf of the Jordanian government, formally requested an upgrade to a new comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.
Over the past six months, the two sides worked extensively to redefine priorities and objectives, culminating in the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on January 29 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Chatzisavas said. The agreement is structured around five pillars: politics, security, investment, human development, and migration.
On the political front, the ambassador stated that the EU is committed to intensifying political dialogue at all levels, including convening a summit every two years and inviting Jordan's foreign minister to regularly address the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Regarding security cooperation, Chatzisavas stressed the EU's desire to strengthen collaboration on security, the rule of law, counter-narcotics efforts, international crime, and counterterrorism. He also highlighted growing military cooperation with Jordan.
Addressing economic ties, he underscored the benefits of the EU-Jordan trade agreement, which facilitates Jordanian exports to the European market without quotas or tariffs. He noted ongoing efforts to review the simplified rules of origin framework to further enhance Jordanian exports. With the EU's market of 450 million consumers, he emphasized the need to diversify Jordan's export base.
On development aid, he reiterated that EU support to Jordan is aimed at poverty reduction and improving access to services, education, and healthcare. He also emphasized EU backing for initiatives tackling social challenges, including employment, gender-based violence, migration, and refugee issues. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the Syrian refugee response and UNRWA.
Investment remains a priority, he noted, citing the new strategic partnership agreement, which includes an EU support package of up to €3 billion. A key component is a €1 billion concessional loan aimed at easing Jordan's macroeconomic constraints and supporting structural and fiscal reforms. Additionally, €600 million in grants will be provided, including direct budgetary support, enabling Jordan to manage external pressures and continue its modernization drive.
Chatzisavas highlighted the EU's ability to leverage up to €1.4 billion in investments in Jordan through partnerships with institutions such as the European Investment Bank. He cited the water carrier project as an example, where EU grants facilitate access to concessional loans for large-scale infrastructure projects.
The EU delegation in Amman, in coordination with Jordan's Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and other sectoral ministries, will work to maximize the benefits of these funds in the coming months.
On humanitarian assistance, he pointed to the EU's €130 million pledge for Gaza aid at the start of 2024, supporting evacuation efforts for hundreds of children now receiving treatment in EU countries. He also commended Jordan's initiative, led by King Abdullah II, to provide medical treatment for 2,000 children from Gaza.
Regarding Israel's recent decision on UNRWA, Chatzisavas expressed deep regret, warning that it could undermine the agency's ability to deliver essential services. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to UNRWA, noting an annual voluntary contribution of approximately €90 million in addition to broader UN support.
Commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent remarks about a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, Chatzisavas stressed that the EU's position remains unchanged: achieving a two-state solution remains the ultimate goal, as outlined in the Oslo Accords. He reaffirmed that Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem are integral parts of a future Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
He also pointed to the EU's participation in the recent Aqaba meeting on Syria, emphasizing the importance of Syria's authorities fulfilling commitments to ensure an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic transition. He noted that the EU has begun suspending certain sanctions on Syria as part of this process.
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