EU statement positive regarding the Palestinian - Israeli conflict

Egyptian Minister Ahmad Maher described as positive the statement by the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU), released on Monday. In press statements late Tuesday, Maher said that the EU ministers referred to the summary killings and unilateral provocations.

The statements echoed Palestinian and Arab demands, calling for an immediate implementation of the Mitchell report, setting up a monitoring mechanism and terminating illegal practices, said Maher.

He voiced belief that the statement is very positive. Asked about the proposed unilateral observation mechanism, Maher said that the proposed observers should be neutral.

He expects that the G-8 summit, to be held in Genoa, would adopt resolutions that would help implement the Mitchell report.

Maher welcomed an EU active role and likewise the one played by Russia and the UN. On the Israeli escalation, Maher reiterated his country's condemnation of the Israeli hostilities, noting that the EU statement also condemned the Israeli actions.

Maher had met with ambassadors of the EU on Monday and called on them to release a statement supporting efforts for bringing the Mideast peace process back on track.

Maher will pay a visit to France on July 25 during which he will meet with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and senior officials.