The EU is leaving no stone unturned to try to secure the release of the Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian medic.

The E.U. will need to develop some new strategy, some new measures, some new decisions.

The EU will need to develop some new strategy, some new measures, some new decisions. While this decision-making process is under way ... we are adopting a policy of maximum prudence.

There remains a strong wish for a diplomatic solution. We have no wish to isolate Iran; we hope Iran will not choose to isolate itself.

There is no wish to conceal a document. There's a public statement that a document is going to be made public.

This episode, dismaying as it has been for both sides, will not undermine partnerships built up over such a long time.

This is regrettable. We will continue to seek a diplomatic solution, but such announcements are not helpful.

There is no intention ... to undertake any formal restrictive measures that could hurt the population as a whole.

While this decision making process is underway, as is fitting for the commission, we are assuming our responsibilities and we are adopting a policy of maximum prudence.

We are hoping to be able to conclude consultations on the action plans for all three countries of the South Caucasus as rapidly as possible, and consultations up to this point have gone very well. We've just completed the second round - - the first was held just before Christmas -- and we are making very good progress. We are narrowing down the number of topics that still have to be tackled.