BRUSSELS, January 23, 2012 (WAFA) – European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels Monday described Israel’s building of settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territory as worrying developments.

“Against the backdrop of worrying developments on the ground in 2011, particularly with regard to settlements, the EU reaffirms its commitment to a two state solution,” said a statement issued at the conclusion of the Foreign Ministers Council meeting.

The council called on Palestinians and Israelis “to come forward with comprehensive proposals on borders and security, as envisaged in the Quartet statement on 23 September.”

It said that a “bold and decisive demonstration of political leadership is needed from both sides to encourage the momentum and ensure real progress.”

It called on the parties “to demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful solution and to the Quartet process by actions that can build confidence and create an environment of trust necessary to ensure meaningful negotiations, leading to a comprehensive and lasting peace.”

The ministers stressed that the EU “will continue to reinforce efforts towards resolving the conflict through its contribution to the Quartet, its continued partnership with Israel, and its support for the Palestinian Authority's state-building efforts.”

They reaffirmed the EU’s “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, July and October 2011 as well as the statement delivered on behalf of the EU at the UN Security Council on 21 April 2011.”

They said the EU “backs the Quartet process to reach an agreement between the parties not later than by the end of 2012,” and expressed support for the Arab Peace Initiative.

M.S.