Brussels, 19/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - In the conclusions that it adopted on the peace process in the Middle East, the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the EU condemns the attacks perpetrated on Sunday and Monday. It recalls the importance that it attaches to the Quartet's Road Map saying: "Both parties must do their utmost to ensure the swift implementation of the Road Map. The direct talks between PM Sharon and PM Abbas are a welcome step in the right direction. Visible and clear gestures of good faith by both are imperative in order to restore hope and promote stability in the Middle East. It is crucial that parallel progress is made in the political, economic and security fields". The EU is willing to strengthen its cooperation with the United States and the other partners of the Quartet to support confidence building and the implementation of the Road Map, including through the establishment of an effective monitoring mechanism. The Council calls on the Palestinian Authority to continue reforms and to fight effectively against violence. It remains concerned by the "ongoing illegal settlement activities and land confiscations for the construction of the so-called security fence, which are an obstacle to peace by threatening to render the two-state solution physically impossible". The Council also recalls that overall peace in the region must include Syria and Lebanon.