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Feb 12: Plassnik: "In favour of an alliance of moderate forces with our Arab neighbours" |
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Foreign Minister at EU-Arab League Meeting
 Valletta, 12 February 2008 - "The Arab countries are the EU’s immediate neighbours. This first meeting with them in their entirety is an important step in our relations,” stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik at the meeting of EU foreign ministers and the Arab League in Malta. Themes such as the Middle East peace process, intercultural dialogue and climate change were of major importance to both the EU and the Arab countries. "Regular exchange will bring added value for both sides. Together we can achieve more and better meet the challenges of our time," continued Plassnik.
"The EU and the Arab League can make a great political contribution to a broad alliance of moderation and modernity. We must not leave the urgent issues of security and development to extremist and radical forces but must call upon the forces of moderation to contribute their share," emphasised the Foreign Minister.
Plassnik further stressed the key position of the Arab League in the Middle East and in the Middle East peace process: "There is a regional responsibility. For this we need the broad-based and constructive commitment of our Arab partners in order to guarantee peace and security for the people of all states in the region. 2008 should be made the year of results for the two-state solution. It goes without saying that this must include Israel’s legitimate security interests: the objective is a comprehensive peace solution between Israel and the Arab world." The necessary political courage had to come from the region itself, it could not be replaced by outside forces: "All actors in the region must make a contribution: after all, stagnation and resignation pave the way for extremism and violence, which subsequently cause all to suffer. People want to live in peace and security," stated the Foreign Minister.
"We should work together on an Arab-European partnership for human development. The Arab Human Development Report shows us the right path. The explicit and visible integration of women is a recognised approach. Women, youth and the media are also at the centre of Austria’s own contributions to dialogue between cultures and religions," continued Plassnik.
On the margins of the summit Foreign Minister Plassnik talked to Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League, about the situation in Lebanon and also met with her Sudanese counterpart and Prince Saud al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia: "Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States are important partners in the peace work for the Middle East. I hope that they will continue to contribute intensively to the peace efforts. Regional initiatives in particular may provide the necessary stimulus for the political process," concluded Plassnik.
Contact:
Federal Ministry for European
and international Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: ++43 (0) 50 1159-213
abti3(at)bmeia.gv.at
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