EU, Arab League Discuss Ways to Re-launch Mideast Peace Process

Brussels, MINA – 28 EU foreign ministers began a first meeting of its kind with six Arab foreign ministers in Brussels Monday to find ways to re-start the Middle East Peace Process.

“We have an important and good meeting today. This is a new format for us. We will focus on how to bring the Middle East Peace Process forward,” KUNA quoted EU High Representative Federica Mogherini as telling reporters ahead of the meeting.

She reiterated the EU position on a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states as the only viable solution.

She said that the EU attaches great importance to the role of the Arab states for advancing the peace process and noted that the Arab peace initiative offers an unique opportunity to resolve the Palestine question.

The meeting will also focus on their support to the UN agency UNRWA to deliver on its mandate, she added.

On his part, Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Al Safadi, who chairs the Arab League committee on Jerusalem, told the joint press conference that they will exchange views on how to move forward “on our shared objectives for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Referring to the recognition of the US Jerusalem as capital of Israel, he said “our position in the Arab world is very clear about the illegality of this decision”, adding that peace is the choice of the Arab world.

He praised Europe as a valuable partner for peace and for its constructive ideas.

The Arab League delegation includes the foreign ministers of Egypt, Morocco, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian Authority as well as Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Abul-Gheit. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)