The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and
Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton released a statement on 27 April expressing her concern about the breakdown of the peace talks between Israel and Palestine.
The breakdown was caused by Israel after Wednesday's agreement between the Palestinian leaders from the West Bank and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip to work together. Baroness Ashton said:
"I am extremely concerned at recent developments related to the peace process, which are
putting into question the continued negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians beyond
the original deadline of 29 April 2014.
I reiterate the EU's full support to the US-brokered peace efforts and I call on both parties to
remain focused on negotiations and on the unprecedented benefits which peace can bring.
Negotiations are the best way forward. The extensive efforts deployed in recent months must
not go to waste.
The EU calls on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any action which may
further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state solution.
The EU has consistently supported intra-Palestinian reconciliation but on clear and certain
terms. The EU reiterated that such reconciliation should take place behind President Abbas in
line with the principles set out in his speech of 4 May 2011. The EU expects any new
government to uphold the principle of non-violence, to remain committed to achieving a two-state solution and to a negotiated peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accepting previous agreements and obligations, including Israel’s legitimate right to exist.
Reconciliation on these terms is an important element for the unity of a future Palestinian
state and for reaching a two-state solution and a lasting peace.
The EU welcomes the prospect of genuine democratic elections for all Palestinians. The fact
that President Abbas will remain fully in charge of the negotiation process and have a
mandate to negotiate in the name of all Palestinians provides further assurance that the
peace negotiations can and must proceed."