Third Formentor Forum Over In Palma De Mallorca

The third Formentor forum taking place at the antique Formentor hotel has ended in Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. Representatives from Mediterranean basin countries and the EU took part in it. At the solemn procedure of closing of this international meeting devoted to the problem of peace settlement in the Middle East Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar noted that the meeting resulted in inspiring shifts on this issue. Aznar meant the two meetings during which PNA leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres discussed the present situation. Spanish diplomatic circles told RIA Novosti that it is surely thanks to the forum organizers, first of all, Spain which is in friendly relations with both sides, that Israeli and Palestinian representatives shook hands and held negotiations. The Spanish premier suggested Israel and Palestine conduct peace talks in the future not conditioning them by a temporary cease-fire which is insecure as extremists from both sides can easily frustrate them. Aznar also noted peace settlement in the Middle East must take place with the US, the EU, Russia and all Middle East states participating.