Jerusalem (CNN) -- The European Union foreign policy chief said she urged Israel to reinstate its settlement moratorium and is disappointed that they have not yet done so.
An Israeli settlement freeze expired on Sunday, sparking concern that the controversial issue could become a sticking point that would stall face-to-face talks between Palestinians and Israelis, which resumed last month after an 18-month hiatus.
Catherine Ashton said she had a "positive and constructive dialogue" with U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell and Israeli and Palestinian leaders. The EU is one of the entities in the Middle East quartet.
"Those of us engaged in the process have been very concerned that the ending of the moratorium puts at risk the possibility of long-term peace. I have urged Israel to continue the moratorium in order to allow the talks more time to make progress. I regret that so far they have chosen not to," she said.
The EU, noting it is the "biggest donor and partner" of the Palestinian Authority, has been working with the United States, the United Nations, and Russia in the quartet -- in an effort to bring peace to the region.
CNN
