EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles gestures during a press conference after an EU foreign ministers' meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)
"In line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognise Israel's sovereignty over the territories occupied since 1967. Steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
BRUSSELS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Tuesday that the U.S. Middle East peace plan has departed from "internationally agreed parameters".
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his controversial Middle East peace plan on Jan. 28, calling for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict while recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital".
"The European Union is fully committed to the transatlantic partnership and values all efforts to help find a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Borrell said in a statement.
According to Borrell, to build a just and lasting peace, the unresolved final status issues must be decided through direct negotiations between both parties. This includes the issues related to borders, the status of Jerusalem, security and the refugee question.
"In line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognise Israel's sovereignty over the territories occupied since 1967. Steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged," Borrell said.
The EU called on both sides "to re-engage and to refrain from any unilateral actions contrary to international law that could exacerbate tensions."
Borrell pledged that the EU will continue to support all efforts aimed at reviving a political process in line with international law, and will engage with both parties, with actors in the region and all international partners.
"In this context, the European Union reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to current and emerging threats in the region," he added. ■
