Solana: We Want To Restart A Peace Initiative In Middle East

ISTANBUL, Feb 11 (A.A) - EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana said Monday that a number of important subjects that concern both the Islam world and Europe would be discussed during the EU-OIC Joint Forum in Istanbul.
Solana who came to Istanbul to attend the forum responded to reporters' questions upon his arrival at Ataturk Airport.
''We'll discuss important issues that concern both Europe and the Islam world. In that respect, the meeting is unprecedented. We'll understand the world better,'' he said.
Responding to a question about the Middle East, he said ''We want to restart a peace initiative in the Middle East. We don't have a specific project but we first want the peace talks to start again.''
Solana said that Turkey had an important role in this process since it had close ties with both the EU and with the Islam world.
''The world changed after Sept.11. Countries are now more aware of the importance of fight against terrorism. I think this is why these countries are participating in this meeting,'' he commented.