Brussels, 05/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Federica Mogherini will be in the Middle East on 7-9 November for her first visit abroad as high representative. “They need the European Union to be present in order to make steps forward at this time of their history. This might not have been the case in the past”, said Mogherini in an interview with six European newspapers (Le Monde, le Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Guardian, La Stampa, El Pais and the Gazeta Wyborcza). “I get the same messages from the Palestinian side, from the Israeli side, and from the key Arab countries, exactly in the same terms - we do need at this time the European Union to move forward”, she said.
Mogherini intends to visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Gaza and Ramallah. She is reportedly due to meet Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister for Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman, and chief negotiator for peace Tzipi Livni - as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
“The visit is a signal of the priority given to the region by the EU and her will to play a role in the stabilisation, reconstruction and revival of the peace process. The Middle East peace process is the key issue for the EU and our relation with the immediate neighbourhood. What is happening, in particular Gaza and the tension on Jerusalem, is of importance to the entire region”, said Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for the high representative. (CG)