Brussels, 12/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 12 May, European foreign ministers underlined the fact that, “peace negotiations can and must be resumed”. In their conclusions they called on the Israelis and Palestinians to, “use the coming weeks to find the common ground and political strength needed to resume this process and to make the necessary bold decisions”. In the conclusions adopted they underline that “the extensive efforts deployed in recent months must not go to waste” and explain that “the EU is extremely concerned at recent developments related to the peace process” and regretted that, “greater progress has not been made by the parties to date in the talks”
The Council called on both sides to “exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any unilateral action which may further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state-solution, such as continued settlement expansion”. The European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation and its broader implications, and “will act accordingly,” warned ministers. The Council also pointed out that the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, still assumed full responsibility for the negotiating process and was in charge of negotiating for all Palestinians.
Ministers pointed out that they still supported reconciliation between the Palestinians on the basis of “clear and certain terms”. They also indicated that “the EU looks forward to continuing its support, including through direct financial assistance, for a possible new Palestinian government composed of independent figures that commits to the principles set out in President Abbas' speech …on 4 May”. Ministers also asserted that “such a government should uphold the principle of non-violence, and remain committed to achieving a two-state solution and to a negotiated peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict accepting previous agreements and obligations, including Israel's legitimate right to exist”. They explained that the EU's engagement with a new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and “welcomes” the prospect of genuine democratic elections for all Palestinians. The most recent general elections took place in 2006 (our translation throughout). (CG)