The Presidency of the European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms today's suicide bombing in Jerusalem, which has taken the lives of at least 17 people and injured scores of others. It offers its deepest condolences to the Government of Israel and to the families of the victims.

The Presidency reiterates that no cause, however just, can be served by terrorism and that the rejectionist forces must not be allowed to derail the quest for a peaceful settlement of the Middle East conflict. Whatever the pretexts that the terrorists may invoke, these will never justify the killing of innocent civilians.

The Presidency expresses its gravest concern at the latest outburst of violence which clearly aims at the window of opportunity that has been recently created. It calls on all those involved to make every possible effort so that the vicious circle of hatred and confrontation be turned into a virtuous one of dialogue and peace.