Hans-Gert PÖTTERING (EPP, DE), former EP President exchange views with young political leaders from Israel, Palestine and EU, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

exchange of views

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

PÖTTERING, Hans-Gert (EPP, DE)

Young political leaders from Israel, Palestine and EU: extracts from the exchange of views with Hans-Gert PÖTTERING (EPP, DE)

SOUNDBITE (English), Hans-Gert P&#214;TTERING (EPP, DE), If one does not accept the 'two states' solution then it's guaranteed that one day, the one side or the other will dominate (...) and there will be an outbreak of violence that nobody can predict what the result could be... I see no alternative to the 'two states' solution and I think everybody should support Barack Obama in his efforts and the EU should even act more and do more to find such solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Anz&#233; LOGAR, Slovenian Democratic Party, What you witness is a very passionate discussion which is then moderated a bit with our view from European participants and I think that at the end of this seminar the conclusion will be that we all have to seat together and find a solution because the peace and the respect of the international law is the only way to solve the conflict.

SOUNDBITE (English), Linor DEUTSCH, Kadima Party, I think all Israelis at this moment, whether it's left or right, want peace. Israelis are tired of the conflict, we all want to get to a solution; nobody wants to continue living in this situation.

SOUNDBITE (English), Linor DEUTSCH, Kadima Party, What I take home is that I am learning a bit more about the EU position and EU opinions, there are very interesting ideas that they come up with... And this program continues, so Israeli and Palestinian young politicians continue to meet once a month so it is a project in progress... I think what I am taking with me is more understanding of the other side and a little bit of hope for the continuation.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ekram NICOLA, Palestinian activist, First of all there is an issue of occupation. For Palestinians this issue of occupation affects every aspect of their daily life.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ekram NICOLA, Palestinian activist, We are discussing this issue right now; this is the most important issue now that should be addressed.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ekram NICOLA, Palestinian activist, I think that the European experience is a unique one, it's very important; we are having important lectures that summarize part of the European experiences. Every case is unique anyway but being exposed to such an intense seminar is a great opportunity for us to learn and then think how we can use this experience in order to improve our situation back in the Middle East.