Top Palestinian official Faisal Husseini called Wednesday for more European involvement in the Middle East peace process, accusing the United States of siding with the Israelis.
He also expressed confidence the negotiations could resume despite the recent flare-up of violence.
"I believe we can go back to negotiations and we can reach a peaceful settlement," he said, while adding that "negotiations must be built on the power of logic, and not on the logic of power."
"I would like to see more of Europe in the process. We really do believe that Europe could prove to be more effective in the process," Husseini told a press conference.
"The problem with the Americans is that they take the Israeli position and work within it, rather than taking both positions into view," he added in Vienna.
Husseini was in Austria for talks with Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, President Thomas Klestil and parliamentary chief Heinz Fischer.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak reiterated Tuesday a proposal for a step-by-step peace agreement and said that Israel was ready to drop some restrictions on the Palestinians.
But the Palestinians have rejected the proposal, saying a comprehensive deal must be reached as soon as possible with international guarantees.
A total of 292 people have been killed in the Israeli-Palestinian violence – VIENNA (AFP)
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