Middle East News
German foreign minister arrives in Israel for talks
Jan 15, 2009, 2:25 GMT
Tel Aviv - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Israel early Thursday in a renewed attempt to push for a Gaza ceasefire as Israel's campaign entered its 20th day.
Steinmeier returned to the Middle East only days after a previous visit, when he proposed a work plan to create conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The German foreign minister is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres in the morning, followed by talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Steinmeier is to travel to Cairo for talks with the Egyptian government on Thursday evening.
Shortly after landing in Tel Aviv, Steinmeier urged an end to the hostilities and called for humanitarian aid for the Gaza population.
'A permanent ceasefire could be achieved by starting with a humanitarian ceasefire. This ceasefire then has to be used to really provide aid,' Steinmeier said.
On Wednesday Steinmeier and his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner called for an immediate end of fighting in Gaza.
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