Solana beating US conference drum
Wed, 05 Sep 2007 06:34:16
Source: DPA
European Union Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana has arrived in Egypt for talks with the Egyptian officials on Middle East peace process.
Solana will hold talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and the Arab League Chief Amr Moussa, according to DPA.
Solana's multi-leg tour of the Middle East takes place ahead of a major US-sponsored international conference on Middle Peace which is scheduled to be held in Washington this autumn.
The main discussions between the EU's top diplomat and the Egyptian officials are expected to be held on Wednesday.
During the two-day visit Solana will make efforts to bring the Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table.
Solana held similar talks in Amman on Monday.
So far, Solana's statements had signaled hope. During his Sunday's visit to the West Bank city of Ramallah, Solana predicted that the coming months would witness a series of important forums in which the peace process will be discussed.
He had also said that that the Middle East Quartet, which comprises the United States, Russia, the EU and the United Nations, will meet with members of the Arab League in December.
One obvious flaw in the much-ballyhooed US sponsored conference is that it has consciously failed to allow Hamas to attend.
The militant group has consistently refused to recognize Israel and in the January 2006 elections soundly trounced Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party throughout the occupied territories.
Solana beating US conference drum
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