Egypt, EU for reactivating peace process

After his meeting yesterday with Osama AL Baz, the Political Advisor to the Egyption President, European envoy to the Middle East peace process Miguel Moratinos said Europe supports the peace process and respects gains which have been accomplished during the past few years.

Moratinos called for building on gains that have been achieved in Taba negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The European envoy said his consultations with AL Baz dealt with the strategy that will be adopted by both Egypt and Europe after the victory of Ariel Sharon with the aim of sustaining the momentum to the peace process, referring to Sweden's interest in chairing EU and its role in clearing obstacles facing the peace process.

He told "AL Ahram" he would visit the Palestinian territories and Israel, referring to his meeting, in Cairo, with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat who asked him to intensify European political and economic assistance to Palestinians.

Moratinos took part in the meetings by the Spanish ambassador in the Middle East that was presided over by Aznar.

The European peace envoy said Aznar held such a meeting during his visit to Cairo to prepare for Spain's chairmanship of European union and to consider the developments of the peace, process.