Brussels, 10/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Transatlantic relations, Iran, the Middle East and Afghanistan were the focus of discussion during the working lunch for EU High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra (current presidency of the EU), External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (next EU presidency) and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. The lunch was held on Tuesday 10 March in Brussels with the vice-president of the United States, Joe Biden. On the subject of Afghanistan, Mr Biden confirmed that the United States is willing to extend a hand to moderate Taliban to pacify the country (Barack Obama spoke along these lines on Sunday when speaking to The New York Times). Mr Biden said in Brussels that he considers it is worthwhile to enter into contact with the moderates and to determine whether there are any who wish to take part in a stable, safe Afghan state. Solana pointed out that Europeans are not able to step up their military effort in Afghanistan but that they are willing to provide civilian assistance to redress the country. (H.B./transl.jl)