Moussa, Fischer discuss means to defuse tension in ME

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa had talks in Cairo Tuesday with German Foreign Minster Joschka Fischer on means of defusing the tense situation in the Middle East region.

In statements to reporters after the meeting Moussa underlined the importance of prompt action to encourage confidence-building measures on both sides including a halt to Israeli settlement activities in the occupied lands and lifting of the siege imposed on Palestinian villages and towns.

Moussa said a cease-fire was not enough to drive things in the proper direction reaffirming the need for political action to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

Moussa commended efforts exerted by the German Foreign Minister over the past few days and the intensive contacts he had with the Palestinians and the Israelis. He said Fischer's efforts led to some sort off cooling of and opened the door for political action rather than military confrontation.

Fischer affirmed the importance of the talks he had with the Arab league Secretary-General to work on steps necessary to calm the situation in the region. He said it was important to reinforce the cease-fire and to start confidence building measures.

The German Foreign Minister added that greater efforts should be made in the coming stage to implement the recommendations of the Mitchell Report. He also reaffirmed the EU and the US determination to back up the drive aimed at implementing the Mitchell Report recommendations.

The German Foreign Minister added that greater efforts should be made in the coming stage to implement the recommendations of the Mitchell Report. He also reaffirmed the EU and the US determination to back up the drive aimed at implementing the Mitchell Report recommendations.