EU's Foreign Policy Chief: Gaza 'needs lasting solution'

Ma'an - EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton briefed EU foreign ministers Tuesday on her recent trip to the Mideast, focusing on Gaza, where she spent a day in June.

After the briefing, the EU Foreign Affairs Council commented in a statement on an "urgent need for a lasting solution to the situation in Gaza and for the revival of its economy."

One of the recommendations was the "immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza, and discussed the possible role the EU could play in contributing to improved access."

Ashton, in a statement to the press on behalf of the council, reiterated the EU's call for proximity talks to lead as swiftly as possible to the resumption of direct peace talks, which Palestinian officials have indicated is unlikely unless progress is made in the discussions led by the US.

The EU official said a negotiated two-state solution should be ready in 24 months. She urged the parties to find a satisfactory way of addressing all the final-status issues, and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to its position on the Middle East peace process set out in December 2009.

Ashton also urged the Israeli government to end all settlement activities and appealed to both sides to avoid any provocative actions. She further called for the immediate release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.