LOC20:59
17:59 GMT
BRUSSELS, May 20 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Friday
welcomed the speech on the Middle East delivered by US President Barack Obama
on Thursday as "importnat".
"He set out a broad and ambitious vision at a transformational time in
North Africa and the Arab world. His ideas and objectives find a clear echo in
the work the EU is doing," she said in a statement.
"I therefore warmly welcome President Obama's confirmation that the borders
of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed
swaps, secure and recognised borders for both sides, an Israel whose security
concerns are met, and an agreement on the issues of Jerusalem and refugees,"
stated Ashton.
She noted that there is a lot to gain from the EU and the US joining forces
in the common agenda to promote reform and support transitions to democracy in
the Middle East.
"I have repeatedly stated that in the light of these historic changes it is
even more important to advance the Middle East Peace Process. Together with
the USA, the EU has long pushed for a return to the negotiations as the best
way forward," said the EU foreign policy chief.
"Our common goal remains a just and lasting resolution, with the State of
Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State
of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," she said.
"This is more urgent than ever. We will do whatever is possible, working
with our Quartet partners, to help both parties choose the path of peace and
engage in successful negotiations," added the statement. (end)
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