EU keeps quiet on Israeli settlements

Report from the Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg, 24 June 2013. The Council held an in-depth debate on the Middle East peace process. Following the debate, the
High Representative Catherine Ashton reaffirmed the EU's commitment to a two-state solution and stressed that the
EU fully supports the current efforts of the United States in support of the resumption of direct and substantial negotiations.

EUObserver reported that EU countries declined to criticise Israel's surge in settlement building amid US efforts to resume peace talks. This was despite EU ministers in 2012 year publishing a written complaint detailing how Israeli building on occupied land was undermining the prospect of a future Palestinian state.

• Primary Source

EEAS: EU Around the Globe: Countries: Israel http://eeas.europa.eu/israel/

The Jerusalem Post, 25.06.13: Israel smiles as EU voices full support for Kerry http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Israel-smiles-as-EU-voices-full-support-for-Kerry-317632

EUObserver, 12.08.13: EU 'hopes' new settler homes will not stop peace talks http://euobserver.com/foreign/121089

ESO: Background information: Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on renewed plans for Israeli settlements in and around East Jerusalem http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-renewed-plans-for-israeli-settlements-in-and-around-east-jerusalem/

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