Solana calls for renewed efforts for peacePrint
Israel
Written by Chris Perver  
Friday, 06 October 2006 00:00

This link sent by two friends, David and David. Thanks guys...

Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy attended a meeting of world leaders in London today to discuss the ongoing crisis with Iran. During the summit, Solana stated he hoped there could be renewed dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, and cautioned that the two sides weren't making enough progress.

Quote: "European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Friday that there is need for a new initiative to bring peace in the Middle East. The Palestinians and Israelis are not acting seriously to apply the principles of the Road Map, Solana said, and the two sides should renew contacts aimed at restarting the peace process.

It really does seem like things are flagging in regards to peace in the Middle East. A few months ago, following the Israeli-Hizbullah war, events were moving very fast, and it seemed that some sort of deal would be done before the end of the year. Now I'm not so sure. Still, efforts are underway with the Palestinians to try and form some sort of unity government. Today Prime Minister Haniyeh signalled to President Abbas to resume talks on the unity government, after a week of fighting between the two terrorist organizations that has seen a dozen killed and a civil war threatening. Prime Minister Haniyeh earlier offered to implement a Hudna (truce) with Israel in return for the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, but still resolutely refused to recognize Israel's right to exist.

Quote: ""Mr. President come to Gaza. Come to Gaza to resume dialogue ... and announce a unity government," Haniyeh said in an impassioned speech to tens of thousands of Hamas supporters inside the Gaza's Strip's largest stadium. But Haniyeh vowed no government in which the militant Hamas movement served would recognize Israel, a stance that is a non-starter for Abbas and Western nations. At one stage Haniyeh appeared to faint as aides rushed to help him into a chair. Haniyeh, who like many Muslims is fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, later resumed his speech. "I urge the leadership of Fatah and Hamas to hold an urgent meeting, tonight, in my presence, to put an end to the internal strife. (But) we will not recognize Israel," Haniyeh said.  

Source Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Reuters

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