Brussels, 06/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday morning 5 December, the executive secretary general of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Pierre Vimont, held a meeting with the Israeli ambassador to the EU. During the meeting, the executive secretary general underlined the EU's concerns about Israel's announcement regarding the country's settlement projects. Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton explained to EUROPE that Ashton had made a similar declaration voicing the EU's concerns on 2 December. The spokesperson added that these kinds of meetings are rare, which demonstrates that the EU is very concerned. Foreign affairs ministers will be discussing the Middle East peace process and the recent announcements involving the new settlements during the Council on Monday 10 December. (CG/transl.fl)