Tánaiste to take part in crucial Middle East talks

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dick Spring, TD, is attending a Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial meeting in Malta to discuss cooperation between the EU and the countries of the Mediterranean region. The current crisis in the Middle East peace process is expected to arise in discussions during the Malta meeting.

This week's meeting, which takes place under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership established at Barcelona in November 1995, is being attended by 27 Foreign Ministers from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Both Israel and the Palestinians will attend.

Commenting on the prospects for this week's meeting, the Tánaiste said that the Euro-Mediterranean partnership is "an important cooperative instrument for the Mediterranean region. By bringing together so many countries with different traditions, it has considerable potential for bridging gaps and assisting the development of peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean area".

The Tánaiste added "I would hope that by improving trading links and facilitating economic and political cooperation, the Euro-Mediterranean partnership can be a pointer to a lasting peace settlement in the Middle East. Given the current difficulties that exist, the Malta meeting is a timely opportunity to bring all sides together within a cooperative framework in which a wide range of issues can be discussed. It is to be hoped that this week's meeting will help pave the way for a restoration of momentum in the Middle East peace process which is an ongoing EU priority". Top