Merkel's Mideast Mission
January 28, 2007
Speaking a week before the start of her tour of Middle East countries, Merkel said she saw "a window of opportunity to resolve the political problems between Israel and the Palestinian territories, or at least to make a step forward."
"I will travel with the impression that we must use this window of opportunity because otherwise there will be great threats" to the region.
Merkel whose country heads the European Union until the end of June will meet leaders in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait during her visit.
She again underlined her backing for the international quartet group, consisting of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States
The group meets in Washington Friday to revive efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Merkel had joined EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on a visit to Washington earlier this month which observers said was designed to remind the United States of the Middle East's importance as it focuses on a new Iraq strategy.
Merkel warns that time is running out
After talks with Jordanian King Abdullah II in Berlin, Merkel said that Germany and Jordan have a joint interest in supporting the peace process in the Middle East. "The past summer has taught us that time is running out," said Merkel, referring to the war between Israel and the radical Lebanese Hezbollah movement.
Berlin would contribute to the process, alongside the EU's role in the so-called Mideast Quartet.
At the quartet's next meeting on February 2 in Washington, Israelis and Palestinians should be encouraged to extend their bilateral dialogue, Merkel said.
However, it was impossible to secure peace between the two sides without the region's support, she said, adding that it was vital "to coordinate our individual steps very intensively" in the coming weeks.
Agreement on strengthening Lebanese sovereignty
The two leaders had also strongly agreed to strengthen the sovereignty of Lebanon "to do everything in order to facilitate the success of the government of (Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad) Seniora," Merkel said.
Abdullah criticized "certain attempts from outside" of undermining the democratic process in Lebanon.
Riots between pro-government students and supporters of Hezbollah had left three people dead and 110 wounded this week. The clashes occurred only two days after a general strike by the opposition ended in violence that also saw three people killed and 100 others wounded.
At the meeting between the two leaders, Merkel also pledged economic support to Jordan.