30/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - During its meeting on Monday 26 July, the Foreign Affairs Council called for the immediate, lasting and unconditional open of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza. It discussed the possible role the EU could play in contributing to improved access. Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reiterated the EU's request for proximity talks to lead as swiftly as possible to the resumption of direct peace talks leading to a settlement on the basis of a two-state solution negotiated between the parties within 24 months. Ashton urged the parties to find a satisfactory way of addressing all the final status issues, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to its position on the Middle East (set out in the December 2009 Council conclusions), and urged the Israeli government to end all settlement activities. She also appealed to both sides to avoid any provocative actions and called for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held in Gaza for the past four years. (L.C./transl.jl)