Moratinos: situation in ME, critical

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher conferred with EU Middle East peace envoy Miguel Moratinos, now visiting Cairo to post Egypt on the outcome of EU Security and Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana's recent tour of the region.

In statements on Sunday, Moratinos said his visit to Cairo aimed at getting the Egyptian officials acquainted with the outcome of the European side's talks with the parties concerned in the region.

The outcome of these talks are very clear, namely that the current situation in the Middle East is really critical, actually, the most serious crisis since the start of the Middle East peace processes.

Moratinos said immediate action had become an urgent necessity and that there was no time for a wait and see attitude.

He stressed the necessity of mobilizing all international efforts, especially US ,European Union, Egypt and Jordan, in order to confront the current crisis.

This is a matter that requires a good understanding of the crisis and means of finding a way to implement the Mitchell report recommendations as soon as possible.

"There is a need for making immediate action to start the cooling-off period," he said.

"This period aims at building confidence as there cannot be further waiting for better conditions to push ahead the peace process," he said, stressing that a political solution had to be reached soon.

Moratinos expressed grave concern over the repercussions of the volatile situation in Jerusalem, saying he hoped it would go by without any serious incidents.

"The EU has affirmed that such symbolic acts are inopportune and further complicate the situation," he added.

On the European situation towards the Israeli escalation, he said Europe is doing its utmost to steer the situation out of its present danger that could only lead to the worst scenario.

"The cease-fire between the Palestinians and Israelis must be enforced, and a complete cease-fire must be established," he said.

Taking into consideration the developments of this past month, one must attest that Palestinians have made great efforts to reduce violence and tension, he added.

"The EU has informed Israel that placing the foundation stone for the temple did not contribute to building confidence between the two sides," he said.

"Israel responded by saying it would adopt various measures to evade any eventualities," he said.