Portuguese Foreign Minister describes Israel as the main obstacle to peace process in the Middle East, calling for EU pressure on Tel Aviv.

Accusing Israel of failing to make a commitment to the Middle East peace process, Luis Amado said Tuesday that the time to deliver a strong message to Israel was now.

In a letter to his European Union counterparts, Amado urged the EU to reassess ties with Israel should it fail to stop settlement expansion.

On settlements, for example, we have seen precisely the opposite. This situation can not last longer, as we risk losing the moderate Arab camp," he said.

Meanwhile, he praised the Palestinian Authority (PA) for its willingness to act on commitments made at the Annapolis Conference last year.

Amado's remarks came a day after EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the relations between the 27-member bloc and Israel depends on Tel Aviv's commitment to a two-state solution.