Brussels, 12 May 2014
140512/02
S T A T E M E N T
by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the Foreign Affairs Council
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We continue to fully support the efforts of US Secretary of State John Kerry to try to reach peace in The region. Recent developments which put into question the continue negotiations are deeply worrying. As I said many times before, we believe that negotiations are the best and the only way forward. And these extensive efforts over the last months should not go to waste.
So we hope and urge both parties to use the coming weeks to find the common ground and political strength to resume the process and to make the necessary bold decisions. We also call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any action which could further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state solution.
The European Union has consistently supported intra-Palestinian reconciliation behind President Abbas, in line with the principles set out in his speech of the 4 May 2011. Any new government must uphold the principle of non-violence, remain committed to achieving a two-state solution and a negotiated peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We will continue to work tirelessly to help achieve such an agreement and we are ready to support this goal through an unprecedented support package in the event of an agreement.
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Document Type: Press Release, Statement
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Subject: Negotiations and agreements, Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Reconciliation
Publication Date: 12/05/2014