Moratinos pledges substantial European Middle East peace role

The European Union EU Middle East special envoy Miguel Moratinos said the EU will play a more active role in the region 's peace process when Britain assumes the EU presidency.

In a statement to the BBC, Moritanos said Britain is capable of playing a very constructive role. He indicated that any redeployment in the occupied Palestinian territories should bear credibility, noting that until now the Israeli government has not offered any steps in this respect.

The settlement policy pursued by the Israeli government and non redeployment in the occupied territories led to a stalemate on the Palestinian track, he said.