14/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - At the end of the “External Relations” Council on Monday, which raised the question of the situation in the Middle East, Jean Asselborn, acting president of the Council explained to the press that the EU regard the next meeting with the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on 12 June, as a “crucial” event in the process of relaunching political negotiations and moving to a fair and lasting peace. Asselborn indicated that, “we hope that general elections in Palestine can take place as soon as possible. In any case, the European Union is prepared to fully support these efforts, including the sending of a European electoral observation mission”. The Council also welcomed the declaration from the spokesperson for the Mayor of Jerusalem, affirming that the Israeli authorities had finally decided not to destroy Palestinian houses in Silwan. Ministers also called on the Palestinian Authority to re-establish the moratorium on the death penalty, which has been in force since 2002. Last Sunday in Gaza, four prisoners sentenced to death were executed (see other article).