Egypt, first to support Barcelona Process

Egypt comes in the lead of countries supporting close relations with Europe, and was among the first nations to back Euro-Mediterranean cooperation as manifested by what is known as the "Barcelona Process", Amr Moussa said.

The statements were made during Moussa's meeting with members of the (EIB) Board.

On the Middle East peace process, Moussa said Egypt and Jordan were able to achieve peace, and at the same time last year, "We were talking about a new Middle East".

"Such a vision was based on the assumption that a permanent, fair peace solution was possible," he said.

"Elements of such a vision included a full Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands occupied since 1967, Arab sovereignty over Holy Sites, the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland, and the right of Palestinians to self-determination, "he said.

"They also included ensuring security for all countries in the region, including Israel, full recognition of international borders and abiding by the international law," Moussa said.

The situation in the occupied territories is very dangerous, he said, adding that the violation of international law was ushering in a disaster.

"The current crisis in the West Bank and Gaza has to be dealt with from all its aspects to break the cycle of violence and resume political negotiations," Moussa noted.