UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov has called on Israel to give up "threats of annexation," saying any move towards that end will represent a violation of international law. Mladenov told the UN Security Council that annexation "would constitute a serious violation of international law, deal a devastating blow to the two-state solution, close the door to a renewal of negotiations, and threaten efforts to advance regional peace." He added, “We have an obligation to prevent violence, and protect the chance for peace. Therefore, I ask you today, to join the Secretary-General in his call against unilateral steps that will hinder current diplomatic efforts to create the conditions for bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the table. “I call on my colleagues in the Middle East Quartet – the United States, the Russian Federation and the European Union -- to work with the United Nations and quickly come forward with a proposal that will enable the Quartet to take up its mediation role and work jointly with countries in the region to advance the prospect of peace.” He stressed that “Israel must abandon the threats of annexation,” while the “Palestinian leadership should re-engage with all members of the Quartet.” He urged everyone to “do their part.” Moreover, the four EU members of the UN Security Council -- Belgium, Estonia, France, and Germany -- plus Poland, which has just left the council, expressed grave concern over Israels plan to annex parts of the West Bank as stated by the prime minister when presenting his government to the Knesset on May 17 and as envisaged in the coalition agreement signed earlier. "We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral decision that would lead to the annexation of any occupied Palestinian territory and would be, as such, contrary to international law," said the five countries in a joint statement. "International law is a fundamental pillar of the international rules-based order. In this respect, we recall that we will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders, unless agreed by Israelis and Palestinians," it read. For his part, Head of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations Danny Danon said that “Abbas only has to do one thing: enter into direct negotiations with Israel.” “Instead, at this late hour, he continues to bluster and make threats,” he added.