Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Following the Vote in the UN Security Council on Resolution on the Settlements

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Delegation of the European Union to the United States

Feb 18, 2011, 11:23 ET

BRUSSELS, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"I note with regret that it was not possible to reach consensus on the resolution on settlements at the United Nations Security Council. The EU position on settlements, including in East Jerusalem, is clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and constitute a threat to a two-state solution.

"Now we need to do everything possible for the urgent resumption of negotiations between the parties. More than ever, all efforts must converge towards a peaceful solution that will preserve Israel's security and realise the Palestinians' right to statehood. I will be in contact with all the parties in the next days to encourage the resumption of negotiations in line with the commitments made recently by the Quartet."

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected] Darren Ennis +32 498 963 293 - +32 2 296 32 93 - [email protected] [email protected] www.eeas.europa.eu