The European Union has called for the early convening of an international conference on the Middle East and said political negotiations must accompany the fight against terrorism, reports Denis Staunton, from Seville.
In a declaration at the end of the Seville summit, EU leaders condemned terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens and called on Israel to cease military actions in the Occupied Territories. "A settlement can be achieved through negotiation, and only through negotiation. The objective is an end to the occupation and the early establishment of a democratic, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian state, on the basis of the 1967 borders, if necessary with minor adjustments agreed by the parties.
"The end result should be two states living side by side within secure and recognised borders enjoying normal relations with their neighbours," the leaders said. The leaders called for the reform of the Palestinian Authority and for early elections. But they also criticised sharply Israel's recent military activities and the construction of a wall around some Palestinian towns.
"Restrictions on freedom of movement should be lifted. Walls will not bring peace," they said. Warning that further escalation would make the situation in the region uncontrollable, the EU said Israelis and Palestinians could not find a solution on their own.
"There is an urgent need for political action by the whole international community," they said. The leaders also discussed the tensions between India and Pakistan and said that, despite recent de-escalation, the situation remains precarious.
They called on Pakistan to prevent terrorist groups from operating from its territory and to close training camps. The leaders said both sides should agree a monitoring system to stop infiltration.
The EU promised to help India and Pakistan to reduce tension and announced that its foreign policy chief, Mr Javier Solana, will travel to the region soon.