Maher, Moratinos speak on Middle East peace
Egypt-European Union, Politics, 8/22/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher on Tuesday said he resumed, during his meeting with European Union (EU) envoy for the Middle East peace process Miguel Moratinos, talks on possible steps to deal with the current Middle East situation.

Maher said Moratinos told the EU Foreign policy commissioner Javier Solana was considering returning to the region, and presented his assessment of Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres's suggestions aimed to put a gradual end to violence.

"We have no details about the proposal, and that is why we cannot judge them", Maher said, stressing it was ultimately up to the Palestinian side to judge them.

"The suggestions include holding a meeting between Peres and Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat," Maher said.

"Moratinos will talk with both sides on the matter, "Maher said.

On his part, Moratinos said he discussed with Maher the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting, to be held in Cairo on Wednesday.

The EU envoy said he would meet with Arafat when he comes to Cairo. To attend the meeting, expressing his concern at the fact that things had not gone ahead as expected.

"We thought a serious dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians could be resumed," he said.

He stressed that actions, such as destroying houses, could not lead to a better climate between the two sides.

Moratinos expressed his hope that the EU would continue to work to facilitate contacts between the Israelis and Palestinians, after coordinating with the US and Egypt.

Previous Stories:
  Moratinos condemns Israeli assassination of Palestinians   (8/18/2001)
  Maher starts visit to France, Italy   (7/24/2001)
  Egypt FM speak on the telephone with German counterpart, EU officials   (7/16/2001)

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