RAMALLAH, May 15, 2012 (WAFA) - The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the European Union’s Council conclusions on the Middle East peace process adopted at the Foreign Affairs Council’s meeting of on Monday, said a press release by the ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry especially welcomed the Council’s emphasis on the need to heed the aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood as a crucial element for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

“This emphasis comes at the eve of al-Nakba, when Palestinians commemorate their forced exodus and express their determination to achieve their right to self-determination,” added the press release.

The ministry said it strongly believes that resolving the conflict based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Madrid conference principles, including land for peace, the Roadmap, the agreements concluded by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative is in the best interest of the entire region and the world at large.

The statement stressed that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the two-state solution based on the above-mentioned terms of reference and continues to call on Israel to reciprocate such commitment in order to advance a substantive peace process and negotiations in good faith.

The PA hopes that concrete steps will be adopted by all EU members and the Commission to implement the existing EU legislation and the bilateral agreements applicable to settlement products, said the statement.

The Foreign Ministry called on EU member-states to adopt steps that will ensure official Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem and that the EU policy on the city is reinforced.

“EU countries need to promote economic development and increase visibility and accountability for the delivery of aid in Area C. Palestinian steps to have access to fair and non-discriminatory zoning and planning rights in Area C must be encouraged and supported by the EU countries,” added the press release.

R.Q./M.S.