Middle East Should Drop Preconditions, Start Peace Talks – Romanian Pres

Abbas said Romania should get involved in the peace process in the Middle East, given its position and the good relations it has with all the nations in the region.

In his turn, Basescu mentioned that, following talks held, in the past several years, with the political leaders of the countries in the region, he noticed that all states in the Middle East desire peace. He added that, in this context, they should move to peace negotiations and give up the preconditions applied before the commencement of talks.

Basescu also said it is understandable for Palestinians to desire a country of their own, but, at the same time, Israel is rightfully asked to express a view in the Arab peace plan.

The Romanian President also spoke about the issue of opening a Romanian diplomatic mission in Ramallah. On the matter, he said he would have liked to start this construct Sunday, but for technical and security reasons he was unable to do so. The head of state assured the audience, however, that this is only a matter of days or weeks.

Romanian president Traian Basescu is performing an official visit to the National Palestinian Authority, at the invitation of his counterpart, president Mahmoud Abbas.

The president is accompanies in Ramallah by Romanian foreign affairs minister Cristian Diaconescu.