Striving for peace in the Middle East

On 13 December the ministers for foreign affairs stressed the urgent need for progress towards a two-state solution in the Middle East. The European Union is ready to contribute to a negotiated solution on all final status issues within 12 months, the timescale set by the Quartet.

EUPOL COPPS: Belgium donates 25 cars
to Palestinian Civil Police, May 2010
Photo: EUPOL COPPS, EU

The EU continues to work closely with the parties in the region and with its international partners. "Today I spoke to President Abbas and I have been in touch with Senator Mitchell throughout the last few days. He will be travelling to see me on his way from the region at the end of this week," said High Representative Catherine Ashton, who chaired the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Council regrets that Israel has not extended the moratorium on settlements as requested by the European Union, the United States and the Quartet (United Nations, US, EU and Russia).

Ministers also expressed their continuing concern over the situation in Gaza. They called for immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and people. In this respect they welcomed the recent Israeli announcement of new measures to facilitate exports, and look forward to their swift implementation.

The EU stands ready to assist in the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza, notably through improvements to the crossings infrastructure and equipment, and through training of Palestinian border and crossing management personnel.

The European Union currently has two operations in the region. The EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah crossing point (EU BAM Rafah), launched in 2005, has remained on standby since 2007, ready to re-engage within 24 hours whenever the Rafah crossing point is re-opened. The EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) is supporting the Palestinian Authority in setting up effective policing arrangements.

More information:
Press release (pdf) (For Conclusions on Middle East, see p. 13)
Webcast of press conference
EU BAM Rafah
EUPOL COPPS