"The European Union must reach a unanimous position on the developments and play an important role in the negotiations that follow. Any outcome must have due regard for the dignity of both sides. It must be taken into account that the status quo is unacceptable and all efforts should go towards the resumption of direct peace negotiations, as called for by the Quartet. We oppose any unilateral actions including new facts on the ground or the expansion of settlements. These are the principles that should guide the position of the European Parliament", said Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for external relations, following the European Parliament's plenary vote on the Resolution on the situation in Palestine.

"It would be wrong at the present stage that our Resolution pre-empts the outcome of these diplomatic efforts. Any partisan approach endangers the negotiating process and weakens the possibility of a catalytic role to be played by the European Union", Mr Kasoulides concluded, expressing his satisfaction at the fact that the European Parliament was united behind this position.

Speaking in the plenary debate on Tuesday 27 September 2011 on the situation in Palestine, José Ignacio Salafranca MEP said: "Any solution should be reached without any harm to the dignity of the two sides and at the same time recognising their inalienable rights: on one hand the right to live in peace and security and on the other their right to constitute themselves as a State."

The official Palestinian demand for full membership of the United Nations will be examined in the weeks to come and negotiations will take place between Members of the Security Council. Full membership status will be vetoed by the USA. If matters come to that point, the Palestinians will address their request to the General Assembly. The Quartet has called for the resumption of direct talks in the Middle East Peace Process, to last twelve months, the first three to be devoted to borders and security.

For further information:

Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP, Tel: +33-3-88-175155

José Ignacio SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845603

Evangelia Mitsopoulou, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-751574

Pedro López de Pablo, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-493352

Notes to Editors:

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 264 Members