European Union critizes closure of Orient House unacceptable

European union foreign policy chief Javier Solana Monday said Israel's closure of the orient house is unacceptable political escalation that does not help calm down the situation but only adds oil to fire.

EU spokesperson for security affairs Christina Gayak said that Solana telephoned Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres in the wake of the suicide bombing in Haifa and asserted the importance of having Israel respect the agreements signed with the Palestinians.

"Solana, who doubles as secretary general of the European Council, voiced the EU`s deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the region," she said.

"He called for the prompt implementation of the Mitchell commission recommendations as the only way to resolve the current crisis."

Solana welcomed Israel's decision to resume security cooperation with the Palestinian national authority which is considered one of the important steps towards confidence building measures between the two sides," she added.