Dr. Bernard Sabella:

There is a need for Europe to play a bigger and more impressive role, rather than being simply a financial supporter, although we greatly appreciate the financial support. Without the EU's support in all areas, we could not go on in Palestine. The committee referred to the UN's ineffectiveness. Sometimes, we have an ambivalent relationship with Europe, which we discuss among ourselves. Some people get upset when some of us say what I am about to say. In one way, we love Europe and like its approach and support. On the other hand, we think Europe refrains from taking bold decisions that would impress even on the US the need to go forward. The US puts a veto on what Europe can and cannot do. The Israelis are also implementing such a veto. We want Europe to move forward. We want a solution. We want to live as normal people and normal neighbours. I live in Jerusalem, and just across the street is a Jewish neighbourhood. I want to live normally with these neighbours. How can we do so if we continue to have cycles of violence and war?