The European Union's foreign policy chief held talks with senior Israeli officials Sunday, dealing with "concerns" over Iran's nuclear capabilities and Europe's resistance to freezing charities' funds that Israel says go to Palestinian "militants".
Javier Solana met with Israeli opposition leader Shimon Peres following his arrival and was to hold talks with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and others during his two-day visit. However, no talks with Palestinian officials were planned.
Speaking before meeting Peres, Solana called on both sides to move forward with the so-called "road map" peace plan, which envisions the creation of a Palestinian state by the year 2005.
"The situation is complicated, but I want very much to see that with the effort of the international community and the parties we can overcome it, and we are able to continue with the road map, which is the best document we have on the table," AP cited him as saying.
Solana's visit followed talks in Iran, where he urged President Mohammad Khatami to clear up ongoing questions about the Iranian nuclear program and allow unfettered inspections of related sites.
Solana was meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom later Sunday and was to hold talks with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman on Monday before returning to Jerusalem to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. (Albawaba.com)
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