EU strongly condemns attack in Middle East

"With this unacceptable attack, the enemies of peace have tried to derail the Middle East peace talks," Catherine Ashton, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement. "But we are determined not to let these enemies of peace have their way."

Ashton called upon the parties of the talks, scheduled to be held on Thursday in Washington, to engage with determination in the negotiations.

"It is imperative that both parties keep calm and exercise restraint even through difficult times to make progress towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region," she said.

The EU remains committed, along with its partners in the Quartet as well as Arab countries, to support successful negotiations, which are in the interest of Israelis and Palestinians, the peoples of the region and the international community.

The Quartet groups the EU, the United States, the United Nations and Russia.

"This attack underlines the urgency of a two-state solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with each other and their neighbors," the statement concluded.

The armed wing of the Islamic Hamas movement, which opposes peace talks with Israel, has claimed responsibility for the shooting attack near a Jewish settlement in Hebron. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com