EU urges Israelis, Palestinians to work 'fast' on settlement

(BRUSSELS) - European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton urged Israel and the Palestinians to work "fast and hard" to reach a negotiated peace settlement within one year.

"I welcome the decision by Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct negotiations," Ashton said in a statement.

"This decision by the parties to engage in substantive talks represents a major step on the road towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, something I am hopeful we can now achieve," she said.

She made her remarks after the Quartet of Middle East mediators -- the EU, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- said the talks on a treaty establishing an independent Palestinian state could be wrapped in one year.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Israeli and Palestinian leaders would resume direct peace talks in Washington on September 2.

"We all want to see a two-state solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with each other and their neighbours," Ashton said.

"The parties must work fast and hard on all the final status issues to meet the Quartet's call for a negotiated settlement within one year," Ashton said.

The chief EU diplomat said the negotiations would need "sustained regional, international support" and the continuation of the Palestinian state-building process.

"I call on all concerned to fulfil previous pledges to help the Palestinian Authority," Ashton said.

"I also want to reiterate the EU's readiness to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements aimed at ensuring the sustainability of peace agreements."

Text of Quartet statement on renewed 
Middle East peace talks