Brussels, 09/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 10-14 June, Javier Solana, the high representative for the CFSP, will be visiting Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Egypt. Although the discussion programmes has been released, the exact timetable for this visit is not yet known. It is easy, nonetheless, to see the goal of this mission as the relaunch of contacts in the new context created by initiatives by US President Barack Obama. These follow his different meetings with the Israeli prime minister on 18 May, the Palestinian president on 28 May, his meeting with the Egyptian president and above all, following his solemn speech to Muslims on 4 June at the University of Cairo.
The context comes just before the launch of decisive initiatives, a change in the Israeli position and strong pressure from the US. According to some sources in the region, in eight to ten days time, the Israeli prime minister is expected to announce his acceptance of a Palestinian non-militarised state. Mr Solana is also due to meet the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, in Luxembourg on Sunday evening, during a dinner with the European Troika. The following day, within the framework of the General Affairs Council, the Middle East dossier will be discussed with Israelis with whom an Association Council will be held. (F.B./transl.rh)