While this week’s EU-US summit in Brussels mainly focused on Ukraine, US President Barak Obama and the EU leaders also discussed a range of topics including the Middle East Peace Processs,the Iranian nuclear programme and the Syrian conflict.
In the joint statement following their talks, the EU and US reiterated their ‘’full support to ongoing efforts to reach a peace agreement in the Middle East.’’
‘’We stand ready to contribute substantially to ensure its implementation and sustainability. The EU has offered an unprecedented package of political, economic and security support to the Palestinians and Israelis in the context of a final status agreement,’’ the statement added.
EU and US leaders said current negotiations ‘’present a unique opportunity to achieve a two state solution to the conflict,’’ adding that ‘’this chance must not be missed.’’
‘’For the negotiations to succeed, actions that undermine them and diminish the trust between the negotiation partners must be avoided and both sides must take bold decisions to reach a compromise,’’ the statement said.
On negotations with Iran over the international community’s concern regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme, in the framework of the so-called E3/EU+3 talks , EU and US leaders stressed that ‘’efforts must now focus on producing a comprehensive and final settlement.’’
‘’We will continue to make every effort to ensure a successful outcome,’’ they said.
They also urged Iran ‘’to improve its human rights situation and to work more closely with the United Nations and international community to this end.’’
On Syria, they said the Geneva negotiation process ‘’is crucial for achieving a genuine political transition in the country.
‘’The onus is on the Syrian regime to engage constructively with the process and take part in meaningful negotiations towards political transition as set out in the Geneva Communique.’’
‘’Any elections in Syria should only take place within this framework.’’