Europe Could Help Make 'Road Map' a Reality

[NewGuy]

http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/interna.asp?idnews=23824

MADRID, May 19 (IPS) - The positions stated by Israeli and Palestinian officials during a visit to Spain Tuesday and Wednesday indicate just how far both sides are from returning to the ”road map”, the peace plan that diplomats say requires European Union participation.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qormi, also known as Abu Ala, his foreign minister, Nabil Fhaat, and Israel's Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom met separately with authorities from Spain and from the EU in Madrid, while the Palestinian city of Rafah was pummelled in the Israeli military's Operation Rainbow. At least 10 Palestinians were killed and many more were wounded in clashes Wednesday.

The Palestinian and Israeli visitors met with Spain's King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, and the EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, also a Spaniard.

The EU is ”a great force of hope” for the Middle East, said Abu Ala in reference to the role the bloc plays as a member of the ”Quartet”, along with the United States, Russia and United Nations, in promoting the peace plan for the region known as the road map.

Zapatero, in a joint press conference with the Palestinian prime minister and Solana, condemned the Israeli military attacks made Tuesday and Wednesday against the civilian population in Rafah, located in Gaza, along the Egyptian border. At least 34 people have been killed and hundreds of homes razed.

This is ”a setback for peace,” said Zapatero. He demanded a bilateral ceasefire and the implementation of the road map, which calls for an end to hostilities, the creation of a Palestinian state and the withdrawal of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories.

”That is what the Spanish government is demanding and what the international community wants,” said the prime minister.

More fantastic nuggets here.......

 

[Zhukov]

[Zapatero] demanded a bilateral ceasefire...

What a bold and brave stand Senor!! And considering the awe with which the world holds the majesty of Spain, it should carry great weight.