The EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana calls on the UN to recognize a Palestinian state by a set deadline even if Israel refuses to do so.

The European Union's top diplomat made the remarks on Saturday during a speech in London, while the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have reached a deadlock.

"After a fixed deadline, a UN Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution," Solana said.

He added that the declaration should specify borders of the Palestinian state, the fate of Palestinian refugees, control over Jerusalem (al-Quds) and security arrangements, Reuters reported on Sunday.

Solana went on to say that the EU would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the UN, and set a calendar for the implementation.

"It would mandate the resolution of other remaining territorial disputes and legitimize the end of claims," he said.

Solana stressed that Israel should return to the borders it maintained before the 1967 Six-Day War, during which it occupied the West Bank and other territories.

Mediators should also set a timetable for a final peace agreement between the two parties. "If the parties are not able to stick to it (the timetable), then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table," he emphasized.

The Palestinian Authority says it will resume negotiations with Israel only after all the illegal settlement constructions in the West Bank are stopped. Tel Aviv, however, says that it will continue constructing housing units within the existing settlements to meet the needs of its 'natural growth'.

The EU, along with the United States, Russia and the United Nations, is part of the Quartet charged with brokering the Middle East peace negotiations.

FTP/SME/MMN