Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM and Jill Evans MEP have been left optimistic that their meeting with EU Parliament President, Hans-Gert Pöttering, was successful in highlighting the concerns felt in Wales about the conflict in Gaza. The pair were joined by members of the stop the siege campaign at Brussels for the talks.

Photograph: (L-R) Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, Adel Abdullah the chair of the Euro-Palestinian conference in Austria, Baroness Tonge, Hans Gert Pottering, Lord Nasir Ahmed, Dr. Arafat Shoukri and Jill Evans MEP.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM said:

“We had a productive meeting and I was pleased to be able to make representations on behalf of my constituents and the members that raised their issues during the Assembly debate. The President of the European Parliament, accepted that the International community had a responsibility to create a lasting two state settlement in terms of Israel and Palestine. We made the case that Israel now had a responsibility to contribute significantly to the rebuilding of Gaza and that there should be an independent enquiry into potential war crimes.”

Plaid's International Affairs Spokesperson Jill Evans MEP added:

"It is vital that the siege is lifted, not only to ensure that food and other supplies can flow into Gaza, but also so that trade and commerce can be resumed, and the Palestinian people can begin again to build a sustainable economy.

"People have made their concerns about Gaza very clear at rallies across Wales, including several at which I have spoken. As the death toll went up in Gaza, so did the number of emails I received from people in Wales desperate to see an end to the massacre.

"Whilst the Israeli army have physically withdrawn form Gaza, there must be an end to the siege. If it continues, the likelihood of a permanent peaceful settlement will diminish."

Diwedd/Ends.