Lithuania, the country which currently chairs the European Union, called on Israel "to end the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories, " saying ‘’such actions impair the progress of peace talks."
Following talks in Vilnius with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite reiterated that the ‘’the European Union does not recognize settlements as part of Israel."
‘’Both sides must abstain from any moves that are likely to ruin a successful peace process,’’ she added.
"The Middle East peace process must continue. Peace talks are the only way to bring to an end the decades-long conflict between Palestine and Israel. It is a historic opportunity for both nations to ensure peace and stability in the region. The European Union strongly supports a peaceful two-state solution, which would enable Israel and Palestine to live side-by-side in peace and security," the Lithuanian President said.
Abbas, who met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome last Thursday and with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday, is to meet with the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, on Wednesday in Brussels.