Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared that the document adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council has created a balance in that it disapproved of the Israeli plans for further settlement while it also condemned the statements made by Hamas over the weekend. The Hungarian Foreign Minister described the position of the Council on Syria as a compromise.

The EU foreign ministers were deeply dismayed by the Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and in particular plans to develop the E1 area. The E1 plan, if implemented, would seriously undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution of the conflict by jeopardizing the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state and of Jerusalem possibly being the future capital of two states. It could also entail the forced transfer of civilian population. In the light of its core objective of achieving a two-state solution, the EU will closely monitor the situation and its broader implications, and act accordingly. The European Union reiterates that forced settlement is illegal under international law and constitutes an obstacle to peace.
At the same time, the foreign ministers reiterated the fundamental commitment of the EU to the security of Israel, including with regard to vital threats in the region. The European Union will never stop opposing those who embrace and promote violence as a way to achieve political goals. The EU finds inflammatory statements by Hamas leaders that deny Israel's right to exist unacceptable.

A compromise was reached at the Foreign Affairs Council regarding the European recognition of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.

Foreign Minister János Martonyi stated that it was absolutely up to the individual members states when and how they would recognize the Syrian opposition organization. The adopted document declared that the EU accepted the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the legitimate representatives of the Syrian people, but this does not mean that the EU recognized it as the legitimate government of Syria.

The document adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council declared that the EU was appalled by the increasingly deteriorating situation in Syria, primarily due to the unprecedented use of force by the regime. The current situation is unsustainable and does not allow for the adequate protection of civilians, in particular vulnerable groups and religious communities. The EU is seriously concerned about the potential use and transfer of chemical weapons in Syria and reminds the Syrian regime and other parties that, in case of their use, those responsible will be held accountable.

The EU foreign ministers held a meeting with Moaz Al-Khatib, President of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, before the session of the Foreign Affairs Council. János Martonyi claimed that the foreign ministers had received „reassuring answers” to their questions in many respects. There was a general mood, he added, that in Syria there was „no alternative” to the National Coalition.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)