Brussels, 14 March 2003 - Javier
Solana, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy made
the following comments in Vouliagmeni (Greece), in the margins of the EU
Defence Ministerial Meeting, on the statement of the US President George
Bush on the Middle East:
" I welcome today's statement of
President Bush on the Middle East. The President has very rightly noted
that the formation of a new Israeli Government and the creation of the
post of Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority open the way to new
opportunities for progress, that should not be missed.
The President's statement coincides with the declared wish of members of the Quartet, in particular of the European Union, that the "roadmap" should be issued as soon as possible. The EU considers that the Parties should now engage in serious talks, based on the Quartet "roadmap", with a view to reaching a lasting negotiated solution".