EU presses Israel, Palestinians for peace

Infolive.tv - Israel News - The European Union pressed Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks before the United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood in September. One the sideline of a meeting with foreign ministers, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said it was too premature to know how the U.N. resolution will affect the region but said she does not consider the situation a diplomatic tragedy. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said his country is currently reserving their position for the moment on recognizing a Palestinian state, saying it was important for the sides to resume talks. Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jiminez said the most pressing issue is for Israel and the Palestinians to resume talks before the recognition of statehood is voted on. Last week the diplomatic Quartet on Middle East policy, the U.S., Russia, EU and UN failed to agree on a joint declaration concerning the Israeli Palestinian peace process.