Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov stated Wednesday in the city of Ramallah that Bulgaria was going to mediate between Israel and the Palestine Authority for the resolving of the Middle East conflict, local Sofia News Agency reported.
Parvanov, who was visiting Palestine at the invitation of his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abass, suggested during his joint press conference with Abbas that Bulgaria organize a trilateral economic forum in order to enhance trade among the three states.
The President also said that Bulgaria supported the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Abbas in turn stated his country had nothing against Sofia's desire to host part of the negotiations of the Middle East Peace Process in its capacity of a European Union member.
Parvanov also announced the two sides signed a "Program for Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Science, and Culture between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Palestine Liberation Organization for the Period of 2008-2010."
The two sides also agreed on the opening of a Bulgarian representation office in Ramallah, which in Parvanov's words was going to support in any way possible the members and representatives of the Association for Palestinian-Bulgarian Friendship.
Bulgaria's President pointed out the business relations between the two sides could develop best in the fields of tourism and construction.
"We are going to use our authority and will contribute to the more active commitment of the EU to the Middle East Peace Process," Parvanov said.
The Palestinian President stressed it was high time the blockade against his people be lifted.
On Wednesday Parvanov also discussed the Middle East Peace Process with leader of the Israeli opposition Beniamin Netaniahu, who was interested in the economic situation in Bulgaria.
Source:Xinhua
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