Called back. Moratinos
Photo: Jeremy Feldman
Avigdor Lieberman
Photo: AFP
Spanish foreign minister calls off meeting with Lieberman
Moratinos says called back to Madrid ahead of Chavez visit; also cancels meetings with PA officials in Ramallah
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos on Thursday called off a meeting scheduled to take place with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman on Friday.
Jerusalem Meeting
In Jerusalem meeting with Peres, Moratinos says, 'There is definitely a momentum for peace between Israel and the Arab world' ; Israeli president says renewal or talks with PA may be announced during upcoming General Assembly session
The Spanish FM explained that he was called back to Madrid ahead of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's visit to the country.
The meeting between the two ministers was meant to take place on Friday in Jerusalem.
Over the past week Moratinos spoke with Lieberman, who is currently touring Africa, on the phone.
In their last conversation, the Spanish FM expressed his regret that he will not be able to meet with his Israeli counterpart. Moratinos also called off meetings he had scheduled in with Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
During their phone conversations, the two ministers discussed a umber of political issues and planned to meet in two weeks during their stay in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Moratinos is ending his two-day visit in Israel on Thursday. During his stay, he met with a number of officials, including President Shimon Peres.
The minister also visited Damascus, and discussed with Syrian President Bashar Assad the promotion of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, in the framework of the Arab peace initiative.
He said, "There is no doubt that there is momentum for peace between Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab world."
In response Peres said, "If the final details are closed, I believe that within a month we will be able to declare the renewal of the peace process during the UN assembly."
