Jordan Times
Sunday, April 25, 2004

Muasher briefs Barnier on efforts to revive the peace process

PARIS (Petra) — Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher on Friday briefed his French counterpart Michel Barnier on the efforts Jordan is exerting to revive the peace process in view of the current developments in the Israeli and Palestinian arenas.

He reiterated that the Israeli unilateral withdrawal plan should be in line with the roadmap and not an alternative. The pullback, Muasher continued, should extend to include the 1967 occupied Palestinian territories, ending the occupation and leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He added that final issues should be left only to the concerned parties to decide.

Muasher said Barnier was concerned about the situation in Iraq. The ministers underlined the stands of their respective countries in regard to the Iraqi issue, stressing the need for a more active UN role in the war-ravaged country's political process.

Muasher said the government endorsed a political development plan two weeks ago, adding that he expects the upcoming Arab summit to come up with a document on reforms in the Arab world.

Barnier commended the Kingdom's efforts to achieve security and peace in the region, pointing out the strong ties between the two countries.

Muasher is the first Arab foreign minister to meet the newly appointed Barnier.


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