Source: http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/conferences/hrc2006/four/hrc070323am-eng.rm?

Human Rights Council
Fourth Session
March 23, 2007 

Germany, on behalf of the European Union

Mr. President, I’m taking the floor on behalf of the European Union.  Yesterday afternoon we have listened attentively to Ms. Chinkin’s detailed account of the efforts to implement the high-level fact-finding mission’s mandate.  We thank Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ms. Chinkin for their efforts and their readiness to assist the Council in this task. 

The EU continues to have concerns on the scope of the mandate of the high-level fact-finding mission.  However, the EU reiterates that it is of utmost importance that states fully cooperate with all Human Rights Council mechanisms and therefore regrets that this fact-finding mission could not implement its mandate, so far.  We remain concerned at the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and have repeatedly expressed these concerns to both parties and reminded them of their responsibility to exercise restraint to work together for peace and to protect civilian lives.

Thank you, Mr. President.