LUXEMBOUR, October 10, 2011 (WAFA) - The European Union continues to follow closely developments regarding to the Palestinian initiative at the UN and reiterates its full support to the High Representative in her continuing efforts on behalf of the EU to create a credible perspective for the re-launching of the Peace Process, Monday said an EU press release.

The EU reiterates its appeal to the parties to resume negotiations under the terms and within the timelines indicated in the Quartet Statement of 23 September 2011. It welcomes the positive statements of both parties in that regard.

The EU underlines the Quartet's crucial role in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians and recalls its readiness to support all efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

It fully supports the Quartet’s call on the parties to refrain from provocative actions and to respect the obligations of both parties under the roadmap.

The EU deplores the recent Israeli decision to advance settlement expansion in the East Jerusalem settlement of Gilo, which runs counter to the Quartet’s efforts. The EU also calls upon both sides to avoid steps that run counter to the Quartet's efforts to restart negotiations.

It reaffirms its clear positions on negotiations, with regard to parameters, principles and issues, including the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2009, December 2010, May 2011 and July 2011, as well as the Statement delivered on behalf of the EU at the Security Council on 21 April 2011.

At the 3117th Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the council of the European Union adopted these conclusions on Middle East peace process.

F.R.