NEW YORK/BRUSSELS (EJP)---European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reaffirmed the EU's commitment to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and creating a Palestinian state, in a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

But a statement made no reference to Palestinian expected calls for a UN non-member observer status.

"In the discussion, the High Representative reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the creation of a future sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel," her spokesperson said in the statement.

"The EU is determined to help bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and believes that substantive negotiations aiming at a comprehensive solution are the best way forward," he added.

"Ending the conflict is a fundamental interest of the EU as well as of theparties themselves and the wider region."

Ashton and Abbas also discussed Palestinian institution-building and the economic situation of the Palestinian Authority, "both of crucial importance for the resolution of the conflict."

Ashton called to all the donors to step in and help the Palestinian Authority to overcome the financial and economic crisis and to continue with the building of state institutions

Abbas was scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly Thursday evening.

According to Israel Radio, he would not bring the upgrade status resolution to a vote until after the US presidential elections in November.