The European Union can help revitalise the peace process, say Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson in Dublin

Following meetings with Irish leaders, European diplomats and civil society organisations, The Elders urge the EU to help safeguard the two-state solution by introducing labelling guidelines for Israeli settlement goods.

Desmond Tutu steps down after six years
Gro Harlem Brundtland becomes Deputy Chair

The Elders celebrate the "compassion, ethical leadership and belief in undying hope" that Desmond Tutu has championed, and look ahead to the growth of the organisation under Kofi Annan's chairmanship.

“We urge those who have turned to violence for political ends to stop” – Desmond Tutu

As Egypt prepares for the second phase of its constitutional referendum amid reports of violence between rival political blocs, The Elders urge the people of Egypt to address their divisions peacefully and protect the country’s democratic transition.

The Elders warmly welcome the appointment of Lesley-Anne Knight, who will succeed Mabel van Oranje as Chief Executive Officer from January 2013.
 

“The UN vote can be a catalyst for genuine negotiations between Israel and Palestine on a more equal footing” – Jimmy Carter

The Elders commend today's vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state, and express their hope that this result will represent an important step towards peace and security for all Palestinians and Israelis.

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson offer encouragement and support for an inclusive democratic transition.

In the second part of their trip to the Middle East, The Elders are in Egypt for two days to meet President Morsi, senior officials, religious leaders and members of civil society. Arriving in Cairo, they praised the Egyptians for their success in using non-violent protest to bring about sweeping political changes, and expressed their support for the country’s democratic transition.

‘The two-state solution is vanishing’ – Jimmy Carter, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson urge a fresh approach to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East

The Elders have concluded a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank by saying that the two-state solution is in deep peril; but that it remains the only realistic path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

Press conference in Jerusalem on Monday 22 October
Press conference in Cairo on Tuesday 23 October

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson will visit Israel, the West Bank and Egypt. While in the Middle East they aim to draw attention to the imperilled two-state solution and lend their support to the Egyptian democratic transition.

The Elders welcome commitment towards peace by Sudan and South Sudan, after the two countries reached agreements on oil, trade, a demilitarised buffer zone, and protections for the welfare and safety of their people. They urge leaders of both nations to build on the momentum by resolving the remaining issues.

“The blaming and finger-pointing at the highest levels of the international community are unconscionable distractions from the bloodshed, death and destruction unfolding each day in Syria.” Desmond Tutu

While The Elders believe that any solution to the violence in Syria must be owned and led by Syrians, they stress that the international community must unite to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict – and fulfil its responsibility to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to the injured, displaced and vulnerable.