Belgian minister holds Israel responsible for Middle East peace deadlock

Belgium's deputy premier and minister of trade has asserted that the Israeli government is responsible for the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process. In statements he made on Sunday in Cairo following economic talks with the Egyptian government, the Belgian minister added that Israel was the one which intended to suspend steps conducive to establishing just peace which is a "grave stand."

The Belgian official stated that after the forthcoming Israeli elections the region will be before the objective to strengthen and back the Middle East peace process because this will ensure stability for the whole region. He expressed his hope to elect a new Israeli premier who will cooperate for the sake of peace.