Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the meeting of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Amman (Brussels, 3 January 2012)

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, issued the following statement today :
"Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met today [3 January] in Amman with Quartet Envoys and Quartet Representative Tony Blair, at the invitation of the Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to his Majesty the King of Jordan and Foreign Minister Judeh for facilitating this meeting in the framework of the Quartet statement of 23 September.
I encourage Israel and the Palestinians to build on this promising first meeting and continue to work toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The EU remains fully committed to do all it can to contribute to the resolution of the conflict."