The EU must continue to play an active role in creating and consolidating a permanent peace agreement in the Middle East, according to Mr Gerard Collins MEP (FF).
Speaking during a debate on the latest agreement, Mr Collins said the EU was right to support a negotiated settlement "which reflects the principles of transfer of land for peace". He welcomed the decision by the Palestinian National Union to reaffirm the nullification of the provisions of the Palestinian national charter which called for the destruction of Israel.
The Commissioner for External Relations, Mr Chris Patten, agreed the opportunity for peace was now higher than it had been for many years but warned much depended on "the political will of both sides".