Europe to play more active part in peace process, EU envoy says

The European Union's representative to the Middle East on Monday said Europe wished to play a more active part in the Middle East peace process, alongside the United States.

Miguel Moratinos, who arrived in Beirut Sunday, held talks on Monday with Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. He also met with President Elias Hrawi, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz.

"There is a demand by all sides for a stronger presence by the Europeans" in the peace process, Moratinos told reporters following the meeting with Hariri.

He said Europe intended to strengthen not only its economic presence in the region but also its political presence.

The Middle East peace talks have been mostly brokered by the United States and the European Union has repeatedly said it wanted to play a role complementary to that of the American.

The talks between Palestinians and Israelis have been deadlocked for several months now, while talks between Israel and both Syria and Lebanon have been non-existent for almost two years.

Arabs blame the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the impasse, saying he was not carrying out promises made to the Palestinians.

Moratinos and Hariri also discussed preparations for an upcoming European summit to be held in Luxembourg in mid-December.

The European envoy described his talks with Lebanese officials as "fruitful" and said he promised the prime minister a more active European role in the future.

Moratinos also visited Lebanon last month when he accompanied Jacques Poos, chairman of the EU council of foreign ministers, on a regional tour.