Spain discusses possibility of helping in Gaza border control

Spain is weighing the possibility of helping police the border separating Egypt from Gaza as part of international supports to the peace process in the Middle East, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Wednesday.

Israel's security cabinet Tuesday approved an Egyptian proposal to reopen the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border under the supervision of European inspectors, Israel Radio reported. Disputes are still unsettled on the authority of the inspectorsas Palestinians consider them advisers while Israel wants them to have veto power.

Moratinos said the peace process in the Middle East was at a "critical and fragile moment." The peace in the region was "not only necessary, but possible," he said at a meeting here with members of Jewish organization B'nai B'rith.

Moratinos said he believes Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Authority, "is a man of peace" and "is ready to seriously work for peace."

"Spain, within the European Union, is prepared to contribute and that is why we are exploring the possibility of participating in border controls between Gaza and Egypt following an accord between Israelis, Palestinians and Egyptians," said Moratinos at a press conference. "Only with respect and an understanding of differences between peoples, can we build a future with peace, freedom and progress, "said the minister, reports Xinhua. I.L.