Bahrain and Britain called Tuesday for a new push for peace in the Middle East during a meeting between Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, reported the Gulf Daily News.
Both leaders urged the resumption of Middle East peace negotiations, in order to achieve a just, permanent and comprehensive peace, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the land-for-peace principle approved in the Madrid conference, said the paper.
“We conveyed our deep concerns to Mr. Blair over the current dangerous escalation in the Palestinian territories as a result of Israeli brutality,” said the emir.
He said these dangerous developments would have a negative impact on the peace process and plunge the region, yet again, into confrontation.
The emir also hailed the G8 countries' resolution to send international monitors to the occupied Palestinian territories in a bid to help ease tension.
Security in the Gulf region was also high on the agenda during the talks.
"We stressed the need for security and stability to prevail in the strategic Gulf region, which holds vital interests for all countries of the world," said the emir.
"We also highlighted the importance of good neighborly relations between countries of the region, based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of contentious issues," he added.
Strong political, economic and trade relations between Bahrain and Britain also came under the spotlight.
The leaders reviewed the latest international developments, along with issues of common concern, and the emir later praised the strong ties between the two countries, said the paper – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
