Brussels, 13/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 12 June, the Spanish Presidency published the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The Presidency of the EU expresses its deep concern for the situation and the climate of prevailing violence that represents an obstacle for the renewed efforts in favour of peace. The Presidency would like to reiterate once again its firm condemnation of the terrorist acts, illegal and immoral, that will only contribute to confrontation and to destroy the hope of peaceful coexistence between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. The Presidency urges the PNA to redouble its efforts to prevent these acts from taking place again. The Presidency reiterates its conviction that there is no military solution to this conflict. Peace and security will only be achieved through negotiations, which should be started as soon as possible. Israel has a legitimate right to fight terrorism. This fight must bear in mind the political goal of putting an end to the conflict. The actions carried out against the Mukata Presidential complex, the destruction caused and the measures President Arafat is being subject to, which have prevented the meeting of the new Palestinian Government, are unjustified and counter-productive. The Presidency demands the urgent withdrawal of the Israeli army from the occupied cities and particularly asks the Israeli Government to allow the new Palestinian Government to freely perform its duties and confront the new responsibilities derived from such functions". The Middle East will be one of the major topics in Seville.