RAMALLAH, February 15, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton , in the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.

Abbas briefed the visiting Ashton on the latest developments in the stalled peace process and the refusal of the Israeli government to stop settlement activities in Palestinian Territory, defying all the international legitimacy resolutions.

Abbas commended the European Union’s stance in supporting the peace process and the Palestinian side, especially on the economic level indicating the need for EU to play a bigger political role in the peace process.

He also emphasized the constant Palestinian stance to resume the negotiations with Israel, under the condition of stopping settlement activities and determining a clear reference to the peace process.

Ashton confirmed the EU’s consistent stance in the peace process, pointing out the EU continuous support of the National Authority in building the institutions of a Palestinian state.

Ashton earlier today met with Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad who told her that reviving the credibility of the peace process should push the international community to hold responsible for an immediate ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land and establishing an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

F.R.