The Enlarged European Troika headed by the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs and new EU Council President, Karel Schwarzenberg has started a visit to the Middle East as part of the European Union’s efforts to secure a cease-fire and to facilitate humanitarian relief for the victims of the conflict, and will meet today and tomorrow with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. A Joint Press Conference is scheduled to take place later today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
The delegation comprises Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations, Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden and Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France. Mr Solana will remain in the region until the 8 January and will travel on Tuesday to Syria and Lebanon for talks with leaders in Damascus and Beirut.
