Source: Delegation of the European Union to the United StatesCatherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Commission Vice-President, will travel to the Middle East on Thursday (September 30) to bolster EU support for direct talks to continue between Israel and Palestine after the Israeli decision not to extend the moratorium on settlements.
HR/VP Ashton said: "Having spoken to US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell and Quartet Envoy Tony Blair, I have decided to travel directly from the United States to the Middle East as a matter of priority to urge both Israelis and Palestinians to find a satisfactory way for negotiations to continue and gather momentum.
As I have said, the EU regrets the Israeli decision not to extend the moratorium on settlements. During my visit I will reiterate the call for both parties to act responsibly and choose the path of peace. There is no alternative to a negotiated solution."
During her three-day visit HR/VP Ashton will meet the key interlocutors including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell.
