Maintain
a special focus on furthering dialogue, peace, stability and prosperity in the
Mediterranean and the Middle East Malta will continue to play a
proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Mediterranean
with the aim of continuing to improve the region’s prospects for peace and
prosperity and the modular ongoing creation of a Euro-Mediterranean area of
free trade, investment and stability based on respect for democratic values and
the rule of law.
Malta
will put its longstanding commitment to, and understanding of, the
Mediterranean region to the formulation and adoption of European Union
positions. European and Mediterranean security are firmly connected.
Malta
has always insisted on this link. Malta
will continue to further the strengthening of various Mediterranean
and Euro-Mediterranean fora, both intergovernmental and parliamentary. In
particular, Malta will
continue to promote the Western Mediterranean Dialogue (‘Five plus Five’), the
Mediterranean Forum, the Euro-Mediterranean Barcelona Partnership, the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean
and the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.
As it has done consistently for decades, Malta will
continue to pursue and support the policy of a two-state solution to the
Israeli- Palestinian conflict, promoting confidence and dialogue between the
parties involved in the Middle East Peace Process in the context of the Quartet’s
Roadmap endorsed by both sides. Malta
supports there newed momentum for peace marked by the disengagement by Israel from occupied territories in Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
Malta
fully endorses the ultimate objective of the existence of two neighbouring,
viable and sovereign states, living in peace and security. Malta firmly opposes any statement calling for
the obliteration of Israel.
Malta
intends to maintain the role of rapporteur of the United Nations Committee on
the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People serving as a
voice of moderation and emphasising the importance of the United Nations as a
multilateral forum for peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the
international rule of law.
Malta
welcomes Iraq’s
political transition in line with the United Nations Resolutions and the
European Union’s Conclusions and supports all efforts towards peace and
stability in the Middle Eastern region.