Moussa calls on Israel to halt Military Escalation

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa called on Israel to halt its military aggression on the Palestinian people, warning that such escalation would only lead to similar escalation from the Palestinian side.

Moussa on Thursday received a report from the Palestinian side on the recent military escalation by Israeli troops and their incursion into Ramallah and El-Bira.

In statements on Thursday, Moussa said that he received a telephone call from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in that respect.

Commenting on statements by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on waging a relentless war against the Palestinians after the assassination of Israeli Minister of Tourism Rehavim Zeevi, Moussa said he did not want to see more bloodshed on the two sides, but rather real progress on the way towards just and comprehensive peace.

The assassinations and counter assassinations will only stop when there is seriousness to get the peace process back on track, added Moussa.

League chief said that he saw no change in the Israeli policy in the occupied territories despite efforts exerted by the United States and Britain.

He said he agreed with Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero that the European moves must be translated into practical actions.