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Apr 16: Plassnik: "Strong Arab-European partnership in the 21st century" |
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Foreign Minister meets with Secretary General of Arab League, Amre Moussa
 Vienna, 15 April 2008 - "We want and need a strong Arab-European partnership in the 21st century. Both the European Union and the Arab League see themselves as broad alliances of moderation and modernity," stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik today at a joint press conference with Amre Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League. "With the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two organisations held in February in Malta we opened a new dimension of collaboration," affirmed the Minister, recalling the fact that the 49 member states of the EU and the Arab League made up one quarter of total UN membership.
Moussa and Plassnik highlighted the close cooperation between Austria, the EU and the Arab League in the Middle East peace process. "2008 must become a year of results in the Middle East," emphasised Plassnik. "One cannot - and must not - shrink away from the so-called core issues, such as borders, Jerusalem, settlements and the repatriation of refugees. The negotiating process, which shall only continue with great endeavour, must be pushed energetically. This will also involve a tangible improvement in the living conditions of the people in this region, as this is the only way that they will place their trust in the peace process. There are already too many who hold extreme views and reject peace," stated Plassnik.
At this difficult stage it remains important to support the major partners in the Middle East process. "The issue is not launching our own initiatives, but addressing the questions already on the table in a systematic manner. Austria is prepared to provide any support that may be required - be it at the multilateral or bilateral level," affirmed Plassnik.
At the same time the Minister stressed that the international community could only provide support. "The necessary political will must come from the region itself," asserted Plassnik. With its so-called Arab peace initiative the Arab League had "set a milestone". "The EU supports both this initiative and the League’s mediation efforts in Lebanon. Indeed, the 22 April elections will mark Lebanon’s 17th attempt to elect a president. A breakthrough as regards this issue would be important, not only for Lebanon but for the entire region," affirmed Plassnik.
Plassnik highlighted Austria’s long-term commitment to the Middle East and the Arab world. "Austria provided a separate stimulus through the Middle East Women’s Conference held in May 2007 in Vienna. All forces in society - women included- have to be integrated into the reconciliation process. Through the follow-up conference at the beginning of June in Athens we shall continue the targeted networking of women across the bounds of politics and religion," declared Plassnik. The Minister reiterated her proposal that the EU and the Arab League should elaborate a joint report based on the 2005 Human Development Report on the situation of women in the Arab world.
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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