EU Council Conclusions On Middle East Peace Process; Deplores Settlement Expansion

The EU Council reiterated Monday its full support to the High Representative in her continuing efforts on behalf of the EU to create a credible perspective for the re-launching of the Peace Process.

At the same time, the Council said the EU reiterated its appeal to the parties to resume negotiations under the terms and within the timelines indicated in the Quartet Statement of 23 September 2011.

“The EU welcomes the positive statements of both parties in that regard,” the Council said, while noted “The EU underlines the Quartet’s crucial role in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians and recalls its readiness to support all efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. The EU fully supports the Quartet’s call on the parties to refrain from provocative actions and to respect the obligations of both parties under the roadmap.”

The EU Council said it deplores the recent Israeli decision to advance settlement expansion in the East Jerusalem settlement of Gilo, which runs counter to the Quartet’s efforts. The EU also called upon both sides to avoid steps that run counter to the Quartet’s efforts to restart negotiations.

The EU reaffirmed its clear positions on negotiations, with regard to parameters, principles and issues, including the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2009, December 2010, May 2011 and July 2011, as well as the Statement delivered on behalf of the EU at the Security Council on 21 April 2011.