In my replies to Questions last week, I listed a number of measures that were needed to try to stop the recent deterioration. These included clear and positive action by local leaders; security measures that were proportionate and even-handed; a response that went beyond just security; refraining from provocative words and actions, and making clear that the status quo in the Holy Places would be respected. On the wider context, I stressed the absolute necessity of an end to the relentless pressure of settlement expansion on Palestinians, and of a political path that held out hope to Palestinians for an end to the occupation. The European Union can encourage all these ideas, but only local leaders and communities can restore calm in the current unrest in Jerusalem, Hebron and other cities. The Foreign Affairs Council next week will certainly consider the specific context of recent violence, but I expect it to focus on the wider aspects which have generated the unrest, and consider what the EU can do on these. These are the themes which Ireland has consistently stressed for a long time.
In addition, I expect that this week the European Commission will publish an interpretive notice on the labelling of goods originating in the occupied territories. While this is clarification of the existing rules, rather than the introduction of new rules, publication of the notice is consistent with the EU approach of differentiating relations with Israel from the relationship with the Occupied Territories.