Brussels, 21/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Arab Spring may very well be something of an opportunity for the peace process, new EU Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Andrea Reinicke has suggested. “I have a lot of understanding for the issue and the feeling that the Arab Spring may become a security threat for the State but, at the same time, we also have to see that it may also develop into a chance. ... This opportunity should be carefully explored and carefully assessed against the chances and the risks for the Middle East peace process”, he said on Tuesday 20 March.
Noting that three “major” events on the Middle East are taking place in Brussels this week (United Nations Relief and Works Agency - UNRWA - conference, meeting of the coordination group for donors to the Palestinian people and meeting of Quartet envoys), Reinicke stated that “this week underlines the intention of the high representative to play a major role to the Middle East”. “The fact that she has appointed a new EU representation in this position underlines even more that the EU wants to play a role in the Middle East peace process”, he added.
Reinicke was appointed to his post on 23 January. His term of office began on 1 February and will run until 30 June 2013. (CG/transl.rt)