“I welcome the start in Washington of direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians. That negotiations have at last been resumed is very good news.

I fervently hope this will result in a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. To end the conflict, a two‑state solution is and remains the proclaimed goal. Both sides should now do everything possible to ensure that the negotiations continue apace and in a constructive spirit.

I would like to pay a big tribute here to Secretary of State John Kerry. His immense dedication has ended a three‑year stalemate and brought the two parties back to the table. Germany and the EU will support the negotiations in every way they can.”