Palestinians look to EU to boost peace process

Palestinians are turning to Europe to help relaunch the stalled Middle East peace process.

They are angry at Washington’s decision to drop its demand for a new freeze on Israeli settlements.

Halting settlement building is a key Palestinian precondition for the resumption of direct talks.

Visiting Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in Athens, Mahmoud Abbas said: “We believe the European Union…. should play a political role.

“We hope the moment comes when the European Union will play its role, together with the United States.”

The settlement issue has scuppered President Obama’s desire for a rapid US-led peace deal.

Israel says it is still committed to reaching an accord.

“Israel remains determined in our commitment to continue the effort to achieve an historic peace agreement with the Palestinians, an agreement that brings a genuine reconciliation between the two peoples,” said Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev.

The country has however slammed Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay over moves to recognise a Palestinian state based on its pre-1967 borders. Israel said this was “regrettable” and “highly damaging” to the peace process.

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