The Czech Republic may not only organize an EU-Israel summit during its EU presidency but also an EU-Palestine summit, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said on Monday after talks with his visiting Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The two ministers discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in the Mediterranean and the priorities of the Czech Republic's forthcoming EU presidency including the preparation of various summits.
According to Israel, Prague can contribute to the settlement of the conflict during its presidency by intensifying the EU's efforts at mediating of the dialogue between Israel and Palestine and preserving excellent relations with Israel.
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said during his visit to Israel this year that he would welcome the EU's more active participation in the Middle East peace process.
According to Topolanek, it is not Palestinians but terrorists who terrorize both Israel and Palestine who are the enemy.
Topolanek said, however, that the Czech Republic that will take up the six-month EU rotating presidency on January 1, 2009, would not change its position towards the radical Palestinian movement Hamas as the EU president.
The EU countries are not united in their positions on the Middle East conflict. Although the Czech Republic pursues the policy of "balance" it is often perceived as a pro-Israel country.
According to diplomatic sources, the EU president can indirectly emphasize things though generally it must seek a consensus.
During the Czech presidency, the EU could also organize the first meeting with Pakistan. Prague is also seeking to organize the first informative summit with new U.S. President Barack Obama.
Source:Xinhua
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