Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Reynders calls for resumption of Middle East peace talks – Belgian For. Ministry press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Didier Reynders calls for resumption of Middle East peace talks

date: 28 April 2014

As High Representative Catherine Ashton, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is extremely concerned by recent developments which could endanger the continuation of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians beyond the original deadline of 29 April 2014 .

The Minister called the Israeli and Palestinian sides to take responsibility and to stay focused on the peace talks. Negotiations remain the best way to achieve a final agreement on all final status issues. Everyone should refrain from any action which may undermine trust between the parties and endanger the viability of a two-state solution.

Didier Reynders recalls the European support for intra-Palestinian reconciliation behind President Abbas' solid leadership based on the principles set out in his speech of 4 May 2011. Any new Palestinian government will thus necessarily uphold the principle of non-violence and remain committed to a negotiated peaceful settlement, accepting previous agreements and obligations, including Israel's legitimate right to exist.

doclink: http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/Newsroom/news/press_releases/foreign_affairs/2014/04/ni_270414_vredesbesprekingen_middenoosten.jsp?referer=tcm:312-246966-64