INTERVIEW: Solana: "No talks with Hamas, Israel settlements illegal" interview text published as part of dpa special package at 0500 G

May 6, 2008, 5:03 GMT

INTERVIEW: Solana: 'No talks with Hamas, Israel settlements illegal' By Nicholas Rigillo and Ben Nimmo, dpa Eds: Exlusive dpa interview on Israel's 60th anniversary, full interview text published as part of dpa special package at 0500 GMT; epa archive photos available =

Brussels (dpa) - The European Union is 'firmly committed' to helping bring peace in the Middle East and security to Israel, and will not negotiate with Hamas, until the Palestinian group listed by Brussels as a terrorist organization accepts those aims, the EU's top foreign-policy official Javier Solana said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa ahead of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy said: 'The EU is firmly committed to the security of Israel.'

He added: 'Until Hamas renounces violence, recognizes Israel's right to exist and accepts existing agreements, there will be no direct talks.'

However, Solana also criticized Israel, saying that 'Israeli settlement building is illegal under international law'.

'Settlement construction is an obstacle to peace,' he explained, adding this included Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

'Israel should freeze all settlement activity, including the natural growth of existing settlements, and dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001,' Solana said.

Solana said the role of the United States in bringing about peace in the Middle East was crucial. However, the EU was one of the key players which also included the so-called Mideast Quartet (US, UN, EU and Russia) and efforts by Germany, Egypt and Russia.

'The international community is deeply involved in the quest for peace in the Middle East,' Solana said.

The EU had stepped up its commitments in support of Palestinian stat-building, he said. Among the efforts supported by the bloc were the establishment of a democratic Palestinian police force, an efficient legal system, the development of the Palestinian economy and Palestinian finances as well as humanitarian measures.

Solana is the official foreign-policy representative of the council of the EU's 27 member states, and thus the highest authority on the union's joint dealings with the rest of the world.