JERUSALEM (EJP)---The German President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering said that “we will never forget the terrible, unparalleled suffering inflicted on the Jewish people”during the Holocaust.  

He was addressing a special plenary session of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, in the framework of a four-day Middle east tour.

Poettering was welcomed in the parliament building by Dalia Itzik, acting President of Israel and Speaker of the Knesset.

Hans-Gert Poettering at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

Speaking in German after starting his speech with a few words in Hebrew, Poettering added: “That this suffering was inflicted in the name of my own people, the German people, fills me with shame. I pay homage to all the victims of the Shoah. I give thanks for the fact that Germans and Israelis can now make a fresh start.”

He said he was addressing the parliament “as a German, in other words in full awareness of the fact that I bear a special responsibility.”

Poettering continued:“Yesterday I visited Yad Vashem. Words fail me when I try to express the depth of the emotions which I experienced there. I feel those emotions again today as I speak to you.”

The President of the European Parliament (R) visiting the Hall of Names at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on Tuesday. The Hall of Names is the Jewish people’s memorial to each and every Jew who perished in the Holocaust, a place where they may be commemorated for generations to come.

Praise for EU-Israel relations

The Christian-Democrat politician praised the “particularly warm relationship” between the European Union and Israel.

“This relationship links us as democracies and communities based on values and which is bringing us closer together as partners.”

He told the members of the Knesset:"Rest assured that whenever Israel’s security and existence are threatened by speeches like those made by the Iranian President, or even by actions, the European Union will stand by your side, without hesitation."

Call for joint conference

In his speech, Poettering called for a joint conference - based on the model of the 1991 Madrid Conference - which would deal with, "peace and security, the development of a future with the peaceful co-existence of Israel and a Palestinian state as good neighbours, within secure borders and without violence.”

“Israel, the Palestinians, the Arab countries and the Middle East Quartet could reflect together on the format, procedures and content of such a conference,” he said.

The president of the European body declared his support for a two-state solution and called the Saudi peace initiative “a sign of the renewed determination in the Arab world.”

"Together, we must all take the Arab leaders at their word. We must avail of every opportunity that their commitment presents.”

He said it would be desirable for the Middle East Quartet to meet in the region and for "a multilateral approach and the prudent policy of small steps” which, he added “is the only way to advance on the road to peace."

“Any position on how to resolve the conflict needs to be based on mutual respect.”

"Israelis and Palestinians are bound together by common values. The value and dignity of every person is equal, regardless of whether they are Jewish, Muslim or Christian," Poettering said.

The EU parliament leader was due to meet Israel's chief rabbis, Yona Metzger and Shlomo Amar, Wednesday afternoon.