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The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, left, and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni are seen after their meeting in Tel Aviv, Thursday. Solana is meeting with top Israeli and Palestinian officials to test their appetites for restarting the stagnant peace process. (AP)
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| By Ronny Sofer October 26, 2006 |
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EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said Thursday during a meeting with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in Tel Aviv that as far as Europe is concerned, the Road Map still exists and must be implemented by both sides immediately.
"As far as we are concerned, the Road Map still exists and both Israel and the Palestinians must meet their commitment to its first stage," Solana said. He added that he was worried after hearing one of the Israeli ministers say outposts and settlements must not be touched.
He spoke during a joint press conference, ahead of the inclusion of Israel Our Home Chairman Avigdor Lieberman in the government.
"We have the feeling that it is now stalled," Solana said, referring to the peace process. We want to move forward toward a dialogue, for the sake of hope, he added.
"We the Europeans are more committed than ever" to the stalled peace drive, he said, in order to bring about a safer situation for both people.
Solana said that the bottom line was two states for two people, which will live in peace and security according to the Road Map's principles.
Minister Livni said that the situation on the ground must be changed, in order to bolster Abbas and convey a message to the Palestinian people that a change can take place, "but all this cannot happen while Hamas controls their lives."
Livni: World cannot afford a nuclear Iran
In an optimistic tone, she claimed that the firm stance had good outcomes, in terms of the Quartet's terms.
"Surprisingly, to those who doubted it, these terms are working and we are already witnessing a change, a change of the situation in the field and inside the Palestinian population. The extremists there cannot do whatever they want," she said.
Livni also asked to stress the Iranian threat, ahead of a discussion of the European proposal regarding sanctions at the UN Security Council.
"The world cannot afford a nuclear Iran, and we have to take the necessary steps in order to prevent them from acquiring nuclear technology," she said. "We believe that sanctions must be taken against the Iranians to make them understand that the world cannot accept the continuation of developing nukes.
"The world must also understand that we must not wait for the moment there is a bomb, but have to address the problem during the enrichment process," she added.
Solana briefly addressed the issue, saying that the responsibility lied on the Security Council and that the entire issue was being examined and dealt with.
This article first appeared on Ynet.
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