ZAGREB, April 29 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and a representative of the Palestinian Authority seated in Budapest, Khaled Ghazal, discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the Near East on Monday.
ZAGREB, April 29 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula
and a representative of the Palestinian Authority seated in
Budapest, Khaled Ghazal, discussed bilateral relations and the
situation in the Near East on Monday. #L#
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement the talks were part of
regular consultations. The Palestinian official acquainted the
Croatian minister with the current situation in the Near East and
conveyed Palestine's view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ghazal said that the Palestinian side valued efforts by the
international community, particularly the EU and U.N., as well as
that the consistent application of U.N. Security Council
resolutions was the only way to establish a lasting peace, the
statement notes. Ghazal's government proposed the setting up of a
"coalition for peace", similar to the anti-terrorist coalition.
The EU has given positive signals with regard to the idea, the
statement continues.
The statement also notes that the Palestinian side would be
grateful for any assistance from Croatia that would contribute to
the re-establishment of the peace process.
Minister Picula said that a cease-fire was the first step towards
the beginning of peace talks, stressing the importance of the
cessation of all terrorist actions organised and conducted at the
state level, or by groups and individuals. The statement further
notes that Picula once again expressed Croatia's support for self-
determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
(hina) sp sb